Beyond the Beyond: Update 9: Wherein Someone Returns to the Scene of the Crime (Marion Kingdom)

[ladyabaxa]

Beyond the Beyond: Update 9: Wherein Someone Returns to the Scene of the Crime (Marion Kingdom)

Last time we assisted in murder and a prison escape. I'm sure Bandore's leaders are pretty irate right now. That said we have some time to waste before our rendezvous with Team Royals so let's go find out just how irate Bandore is. We have to return to Marion anyway to purchase supplies for our trip. Also note that I don't think the translated script for this part of the game got much editing since cases don't match at times, some dialogue is quite stilted, and at times it feels like part of the conversation is just plain missing.

Well we've climbed out of that muddy ravine. Now what?
It's only a couple hours until sunset. Should we just go back to town?
That's rather risky but I don't think we have much choice. Steiner?
Yes?
Can you fly up and see what's going on in the castle?
I think I can manage that. You three sit tight for a few minutes.

20 minutes later...

I'm baaaack!
Well? What did you see?
Three large groups of soldiers just left town heading in different directions.
That didn't take long.
Search parties?
Definitely. Now we have no choice but to return to town. Come on everyone.

I haven't shown off an inn yet so let's start with a look at the one in Marion. The cost for Team Rugrats to use a room for the night is 30 gold. All inns charge a rate per person. So the total will be that multiplied by how many people are in your party - not including Steiner. This time it's 10 gold per person. We could stay but we're pinching pennies right now.

Hold on a second you two. I want to see if that poet is still here.

Well there's your answer. He's definitely still here.
Oh Percy you've finally returned. I was beginning to worry you weren't ever coming back.
I was just... delayed. Are you still working on that poem of yours?
Oh, certainly. I hope my poem can give the people of Marion some peace of mind. Shall we pick up where we left off earlier?
That's the plan. Finn, Annie, you two run along. Go goof off for awhile. After what happened to us today you two need it.
What about me? Do I need to relax too?
Steiner you're the most relaxed dragon I know. You're also the only dragon I know. My point still stands though.
I don't want to sit around here listening to talk about poems anyway. I'm out of here. You coming, Finn?
Sure.
You two aspiring writers have fun now!

A few minutes later the trio are strolling down the streets of Marion.

How are you feeling, Finn?
Better. My head doesn't hurt and the nausea has gone away.
Well that's good. I guess Samson sometimes doesn't know his own strength.
Getting away from all the blood he leaves in his wake helps too.
Hey, look! It looks like new signs were put up recently.
"Reward! 10,000 Gold pieces for any information leading to the capture of Prince Edward." Well that didn't take long at all.
Ten thousand gold, eh? If we were less scrupulous kids we could take advantage of that and be comfortable for years.
Comfortable? That would be boring. And treason, but mostly boring.
*elbows Finn* Careful now a soldier is walking our way.
Have I seen you kids somewhere before?
How could you? We're not from around here.
Yeah we're... visiting our aunt.
I could've... oh nevermind I've seen so many Marion brats in the last couple of days my brain's going to mush trying to remember them. Say you two haven't heard anything about Prince Edward or Samson have you?
No.
*mutters something incomprehensible* Oh well. Maybe I'm going about this all wrong, though. Perhaps I should try to find Prince Edward first. He should be a lot easier to find than Samson.
But didn't Samson bust the prince out? That's what I heard.
Yeah, so?
Err, nevermind. We need to get to church.
Oh, yes, well I wouldn't want to make anyone late to church. Have a good evening, kids!
Bye!

...We have to go to church?
Yeah there might be someone there who knows something useful. Besides, who's going to argue with someone saying they want to go there?
Prrr. You're getting enthusiastic about this sneaking around stuff, Annie.
I am? Maybe. I'm just sort of winging it as we go.
Well we're here anyway and if it makes us a little less suspicious I don't mind.
Finn, can I ask you a question?
What's on your mind?
Well, it's just that I've been thinking and I was wondering if you thought everything that has happened to us the past week has been for a reason.
A reason?
*slightly shrugs*
It seems more like luck to me.
Maybe you're right. *pause* Hmmm.
What?
Well, I was just thinking that you weren't in Marion when Bandore attacked because you and I were in the cave but then I wonder what would have happened if Sir Galahad had brought you here that day. Would his presence have made a difference?
What brought this on?
It's been something in the back of my mind ever since... that day but the chapel here reminded me. Finn, do you -
Excuse me but are you children here for the evening service?
Yeah.
Would you mind helping me set up, then? It would only be a few minutes of your time.
Of course we'll help you.
*trumpets* I can help too!

Sometime later...

*rubs back* How does he move that stand every time he needs to? Ouch!
You're still sore from traveling, Finn.
Well I'm definitely sore from moving that thing.
I'm going to sleep like a rock tonight, that's for sure.
Thank you for your assistance. May Arawn bless you and keep you all your days.
Arawn...
*tugs at Annie's sleeve* Hey other people are starting to arrive.
Oh hello, kids. It's nice to see someone taking service so seriously. We must keep our faith alive in these trying times.
Do you really think Arawn will help us?
It is not for us to question his judgment. But if you ask me I think it will take a miracle to get Bandore off our land. May Arawn have mercy on Prince Edward! He is our only hope right now.
Annie, are you ok? You've been acting weird lately.
...Hmm?
*nudges Finn* Finn, I think she's lost in thought. You should leave her be right now.

After the service the trio exits into the twilight streets of Marion.

Annie are you going to start talking to me anytime soon? Did I do something wrong again?
Oh, no. It's not you. I've just had a lot on my mind.
Shh. I hear another soldier in the bushes over there.
*muttering to self* All this searching has turned up nothing. There's got to be some trace of them! We should start torturing the town's people. I bet we'll get some answers then.
Don't mind us. We're just passing through.
*continues muttering*

Beyond the Beyond doesn't have day-night cycles so I've sort of faked it using Photoshop. In other news Bandore soldiers are once again searching the graveyard.

Okay I'm starting to feel nauseous all over again.
I'm sooo glad Percy's not walking around with us. Otherwise we'd probably be dumping that soldier's body in the river right now.
The graveyard's just up ahead and it looks like there are soldiers wandering around inside.
I don't think this can get much more morbid so let's go see what they're up to.

(1): You kids shouldn't be in here! Don't you know this area is off limits after sundown?
(2): I thought the whole town was pretty much off limits after sundown. There is a curfew after all.
(1): I wish we were affected by the curfew. Then I wouldn't be stuck out here.
You're not going to arrest us are you?
(1): Hell no. I'm supposed to keep searching the graveyard until Samson is found. I'm not being paid enough to risk my neck busting some brats right after nightfall.
(2): I told you! Something is not right here! There must be some hidden path... but I can't budge these heavy tombstones. Aaargh! This is a wild goose chase. The Lieutenant's got it in for us!
What makes you say that?
(2): He's just pissed because Samson was right under his nose and he didn't realize it. So of course he has to take it out on us!
(1): I don't think he is coming back here. For all we know there is no secret passage and it was a ghost or something.
(2): I don't believe that some ghost helped him out. That's friggin' stupid.
(1): No it's not! My grandma told me stories of ghosts that would help people if they were lost or hurt back in the old country.
(2): Oh don't tell me you're going to start up on another one of those Grey Ghost stories again. What bloody ghost hangs out around a volcano anyway? Don't they have something better to do with their afterlife then wander the rocky steps carrying a lantern with them everywhere?
What's this about a ghost with a lantern?
(1): It's an old tale told for many years in Bandore.
(2): Oh not again! Give it a break! Come on kids we don't have time to babysit you right now.
(1): Well if you're not going to let me tell a story to pass the time then I'll go see if the friar at the chapel over there has anything interesting to talk about.
(2): But we're still on duty.
(1): Screw that. The sun has set. Who do you reckon is going to come check on us in a graveyard at night? Nobody, that's who!
(2) *grumbles* You've got a point there. All right but if you're leaving I'm not sticking around either.
(1): A might scared are ya?
(2): Don't be ridiculous. After how the Lieutenant chewed us out earlier I need a stiff drink.

The two soldiers depart.

Next to the graveyard the Lieutenant's house is now guarded by a lone soldier. This is to prevent the player from reopening the secret passage even though the rock we moved back in part 7 is back in its original spot.

No one may enter. The Lieutenant doesn't want anyone else hiding in his home.
Why doesn't the Lieutenant just lock the door then?
Less back talk, more moving along, citizen!
Okay, okay we're going.
Don't let them get to you kid. Bandore soldiers are frustrated at the prince's escape. When Zalagoon comes to rescue Marion, they will be more than frustrated. Ha, ha, ha, ha!
What makes you think Zalagoon will rescue Marion?
Where else does Prince Edward have to run to? That's why all the soldiers are so scared. Take this fellow about to walk by us. *waves* Good evening, sir!
Hey kid. If you see Prince Edward, let us know. You will be handsomely rewarded! *walks on by*
See what I mean? They don't have a clue where the prince is but it sure is hilarious watching them squirm!
Just don't get them too riled up. We've got to get going.
Yeah, sure thing, kid. Take care!

There are more people out on the streets then I thought there would be at this hour.
Most of them are soldiers though.
Not all of them. See, here comes another Marion native. Good evening!
Why hello there little dragon.
Any news?
Not much I'm afraid even though Prince Edward has escaped from prison. I trust you've seen the signs the soldiers have put up all over town.
Yeah. Ten thousand gold is a pretty big reward for one fugitive.
I hope these Bandore brutes don't tear up the town because of the Prince's escape. I know they're all terrified of Samson's reputation but sooner or later that won't be enough to keep them in line.
Then what?
Then I hope I won't have to find out. I'm moving far from here as soon as I can. It was nice talking to you but I really must be going. Bye!

That was blunt.
What exactly were you expecting?
Uh, er, well, I don't know. Ha, ha, saaaay that street looks pretty empty. Let's head that way.
I remember this house. The old man who lives here might know something useful to us.
*knocks* Uh, hello?
Come in, come in! Don't just stand at my door. Come in where it's warm.
You're not worried we might be working for Bandore?
I remember you three. You came by earlier with Percy. How's that lad holding up by the way?
He's fine.
Good, good. I imagine he has much more important matters to attend to now that the prince has escaped. Everyone who can is trying to get out of town. *chuckles* Not me, though. I'm not letting Bandore run me out.
We just ran into someone who said they planned on leaving town as soon as possible.
Well they may leave the capital but they can't leave the kingdom. The bridge to Zalagoon is guarded by Bandore soldiers.
Yeah, we know. We actually went to the bridge to see for ourselves.
I remember that someone told me of an old path that was used before the bridge was built. I just wish I could remember who told me that or where that old path was.
But you said you weren't planning on leaving Marion.
I'm not, but that sort of thing might be useful for a certain young knight we know. You three should run along now. Give my regards to Percy.

Back outside...

This is so confusing. Everyone's been in a hurry to get us to leave once they talk to us.
Don't worry about it, Finn. You'd be nervous too if you lived here.
There's that kid who said he wanted to become a knight when he grows up.
Yeah I remember him. I am yet again glad Percy isn't walking around with us.
That w - hey, he's running towards us.
I knew you three would come back. Did you hear? All the soldiers are talking about it! Prince Edward was rescued!
Now, now, Joshua you shouldn't be bothering these strangers.
Sir Samson must have rescued Prince Edward. I bet he's the strongest man in the world!
Well the second part of that is still true from a certain point of view. I guess.
He also taught me a lesson! You shouldn't give up on things easily. I'm not giving up! Someday, I'll join the Knights of Marion!
Please excuse him. My son has been excited since he heard the news.
I'm excited too. That's good news for Marion.
Well I wouldn't get my hopes up just yet. The prince probably secretly fled to Zalagoon. What remains of the knights probably went with him.
You say that like it's a bad thing.
Both kingdoms are old allies. Long ago, Marion assisted Zalagoon when it was invaded. Everyone's hoping Zalagoon will return the favor but... I just don't want to get my hopes up over something that might not happen.
What are you talking about mom? Sir Samson and the knights will kick Bandore out! Just wait and see!
Sure they will. Come inside, dear. Dinner's almost ready. Good night you three.

Well that was kind of depressing. Let's see what's going on in the castle before we go back to the inn for the night.
Be careful, Finn. I hear someone to the north of us.
Correction then. Let's go see who that is on our way to the castle.
*shrugs* I have nothing better to do.

One quick stroll later the trio finds a man sitting on the riverbank.

Who's there?! Oh! Oh, it's just a couple of kids.
And their dragon friend.
AAAAHHH!
Steiner, we're trying to get around town quietly.
I am being quiet. It's not my fault if so many people don't know dragons can talk.
We didn't mean to scare you. Are you all right?
Y-yeah. I'm fine. I just... wasn't expecting that.
Whatcha doing out here all by yourself?
Nothing! Not that it's any business of yours.
Afraid we'd go tattle to the guards?
No! Aww, hell, it's not as if the guards don't know me by now. *pause* They've only had me cooped up in the castle since the invasion.
Do go on.
You don't know?
Know what?
You kids must be from out of town. After the invasion pretty much all of the castle's servants ran off. That is, those that survived that night or weren't dragged off in chains. Castles don't run themselves, though, and those Bandore soldiers think it's beneath them to do menial labor. So, the next day they rounded up a bunch of folk in town and put us to work. If it weren't for the prince's escape I'd still be in there cleaning up after those slobs.
What happened?
The emperor of Bandore was so worried about a break out attempt that he had the castle locked down. When the prince escaped anyway most of the castle's guard were sent out to hunt him down. Things were so busy it was easy to sneak out.
Okay. Well since you've been in the castle what's it been like in there?
I was just a kitchen rat so I was, thankfully, spared drama but I know some of the others weren't so lucky. Some of Bandore's top generals have some picky tastes. Come to think of it, though, I overheard some Bandore troops saying that some strangers from Quamdar suggested invading Marion. I never really thought much of it but I guess that could explain some of the weirder things they wanted done.
Quamdar? Does that ring any bells Annie, Steiner?
Nope.
I can't say I've heard of it.
I have no idea where this 'Quamdar' is but it must be somewhere in Aridia.
Does the emperor always listen to suggestions about who to invade?
Why are you asking me? It's not like I've even met the emperor.
Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Nevermind. We'll be going now. Enjoy your time off.
Have a nice night kids, and little dragon. If you're going to the castle you should know the soldiers on duty probably won't bother you if you look like you work there. Most of them are so tired from multiple shifts they're about ready to drop.
Good to know. Thanks.

As mentioned security in the castle has dropped and we can just walk right inside. There are three soldiers wandering around the courtyards that we're going to wander right up to and chat up. Team Rugrats isn't suspicious at all!

I'm mystified about why this pond is such a Bandore soldier magnet. It's just a shallow pit filled with water with some lilies floating in it.
When we were done with the Marion Knights there were a few other things floating in it if you catch my drift. Ha, ha, but the servants cleaned it up the next morning.
Ahh, yes, ahem. How are you doing?
Oh I'm just fine. I'm taking a break before I have to go out on patrol. We've been super busy all day thanks to that little incident in the prison. Anyone that might have helped Prince Edward escape will be caught. You can be sure of that!
Yes, I'm sure they will.
Well run along then and get back to work. I have a break to enjoy... alone.

Sooo, why are we talking to all the guards again?
*shrugs* I dunno. If they aren't busting us I'm fine with trying to find out anything they might know.
You know Percy is going to freak out when we tell him what we were up to, right?
Kyraaa. We don't HAVE to tell him, Annie. We could just sort of relate the important stuff we learned but not where we heard it.
Come on. Percy isn't that stupid.
Shh. I think we're walking into an argument.
I knew I should have brought snacks!

The trio stands/flies in place as the two Bandore soldiers continue their disagreement.

(1) I can understand how Sir Samson might get away, but how could that weakling Prince Edward?
(2) Duh you simpleton! Sir Samson busted him out of prison. Weren't you listening to the briefing?
(1) You don't have to be nasty about it. I was listening. This may hurt Bandore's name. We must find them immediately.
(2) Why do you think those patrols were sent out?
(1) To find Edward. I know that.
(2) Though Prince Edward escaped from prison, it's impossible for him to leave Marion. So calm down. It's not as if Bandore's good name is actually worth anything outside of the homeland.
(1) You're awfully sure of yourself.
(2) We are blocking all the bridges leading out of Marion.

We should get moving before they notice we're actually here.
Right behind ya.

Update Eight | Index | Update Nine point four