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Beyond the Beyond: Update 16: Wherein Laughter Rings Out (Zalagoon Castle)
When last we left our party they were waiting on a messenger to summon them to the castle.
I'm getting tired of waiting. When is that messenger going to find us already?
It is rather odd, isn't it? We've had time to climb out of the sewers, bathe, and change yet there's still no sign of them. Sir Samson do you think we should go see what's going on?
Hmm, fine with me.
I guess Finn and I will be coming along just in case something goes terribly wrong.
And I'll tag along just to satisfy my own curiosity.
We'll get to see the castle though, right?
*sigh* Of course, Finn. Of course.
See, Finn, we're already seeing the castle! Very funny, sis.
Uh, hi there.
(both) Prince Edward and Sir Samson, I was just about to go get you. We are ready for you.
I... see.
The king is waiting in the courtyard. Please follow this path.
Inside we find ourselves railroaded to the One True Path by the existence of 8 Zalagoon soldiers.
Whoa that's a lot of soldiers.
Security sure is tight, isn't it?
Indeed it is. This seems a little drastic to me.
(pillars) Please proceed.
We're going, we're going.
Brrrr. They're all watching us. This is kind of creepy.
Wait, I want to know what all the security is about! We're not invaders or anything. *chuckles*
What? What's so funny? The thought of Glade waiting longer because Finn has a streak of curiosity amuses me.
You're scary sometimes, you know that Sir Samson?
What's so scary about that? Finn, go ahead and look around. Take as much time as you want.
*shrugs* Ok. Ooooh. I'll help out! Say, Mr. Soldier, why is security so tight today?
(west wall, south) I heard Marion's prince just arrived here.
I'M STANDING RIGHT HERE!
What? You're Marion's prince?! Well someone's irritable today!
I'm not irritable... I'm just nervous, that's all.
So when are you going to answer my question, your majesty?
What question?
(west window) Look!! The King and Queen are in the courtyard. Wow, uh, we really are keeping them waiting aren't we?
Eh, it's just a couple minutes. (east, south facing) Something is about to happen.
Kryaa. Edward's not the only one on edge. This excitement is infectious.
Are you feeling pumped yet, Finn?
Not really.
(east) What's going on? Now what's happening?
Wait a minute! You're stalling! You're worried about Glade's request, aren't you? I don't know what you're talking about, your majesty.
*grumbles* Well I've seen all I care to. Is everybody ready to meet the king?
*shrugs* Meh. It's not like he's gonna acknowledge we even exist.
...
Those are some strange kids.
With that the group walks out into the courtyard and finds more soldiers lining the path.
(both west & 2 east) Please proceed.
*takes a deep breath* Well, here we are. Everyone be on your best behavior, ok?
(1 east) The Royal Prince of Marion and his loyal followers to see his Majesty, the King of Zalagoon!
It looks as if everyone of any significant rank in Zalagoon has turned out to meet us.
Stop right there.
You are Prince Edward, right?
*nods* Yes, what a delight seeing you and Aunt Scarlet again. It's been a long time.
You have grown into a handsome, young man, and polite as well! [sic]
*turns to Glade* Glade! These people appear to be who they say they are. What made you suspect them so?
Sire, ever since Bandore invaded Marion, we haven't had any Marion visitors. How then could the Marion Prince, who was supposedly captured, come here without crossing the bridge? Their story seems impossible!
What...? What are you trying to say? Are you saying that we are imposters?
*nods* Your Majesty, this is outrageous! Sir Piat vouches for the validity of Sir Samson's identity.
That is the only reason why I granted you this audience.
Enough... let's not argue anymore. Prince Edward and Sir Samson, come closer so that I may see you.
You holding up over there?
*takes a deep breath* Yes.
At the king's request Edward and Samson step forward.
Scarlet, do you recognize him? Is he your nephew, the Prince of Marion?
I don't know. It's been so long... *pause* He looks... like my brother. Honestly, it's been too long to tell for certain.
Sir Bison. How about you?
Sir Bison walks forward to get a better look at Edward and Samson.
The last time I saw the prince was at the ceremony of his birth. I can't say for sure. I do, however, recognize Sir Samson. I'm positive that this is Marion's hero, Samson.
Bison returns to his spot.
How about you, Piat? Do you recognize him as Sir Samson?
Piat walks up to Samson.
For sure, Sire. His muscular body... Indeed, he is Marion's hero, Samson!
*flustered* Sir Piat, are you sure of what you are saying? How long has it been since you and Sir Samson traveled together?
It has been some time but I stand by my words.
That's quite enough, Glade. Save the interrogations for later. Prince Edward. What do you wish of Zalagoon?
Oh, well... *pause* I mean what I, uhh...
This is harder then I thought it would be.
Let me handle this.
Your Majesty, we need you to send soldiers to Marion!
Hmmm... You want us to lend you our troops? I don't know if we can spare enough soldiers to be of any help.
Even though Bandore has occupied Marion, that doesn't mean that all is lost. Bandore lost a lot of men in the invasion, and many of the townspeople are willing to fight. With aid from Zalagoon, we could free Marion of Bandore's rule.
*steps forward* Excellent! Great scenario. With Sir Samson's skills, we can surely deal with Bandore. But if this scenario is a trap set up by Bandore, then that's the end of Zalagoon! Who knows what's actually waiting just beyond our borders, hmm? It's not as if the esteemed prince and his escorts have brought anything we can actually use to plan a counterattack. How convenient for them.
You... do raise an excellent point. I'm sorry, Sir Samson, but Glade is right about that. *steps back* I'm only looking out for the welfare of Zalagoon, as always your majesty. That's why I'm here after all.
I have already been vetted by Piat and Bison. What more do you want?
*shakes head* These are trying, dangerous times for us all. Unless you can prove your identity beyond a doubt, I cannot risk sending my troops to Marion. Bandore is not one to be trifled with. If I am to commit my people to the sacrifice you ask of them I must be certain the call is real. Your majesty, I have an idea of how we may test the identity of our guests. If you will grant me the courtesy of handling this for you we can perform it right now.
Very well. Proceed.
*walks forward to face Samson* I hear that Marion's hero, Samson, has strength beyond normal men. How about a show of strength to prove you are who you say you are?
The screen scrolls over so we can see a conveniently color coded freestanding pillar. Why do they have freestanding pillars in their courtyard? Heck if I know. Zalagoon interior decorating is a mystery to me.
How about that pillar there? Surely Marion's hero could easily lift that?
There you have it. Lift that pillar, and you will set all of our concerns to rest. An easy task for a man as mighty as Sir Samson.
Will you do it, Sir Samson?
. . .
*turns to Samson* What...? What is the problem, Samson? Show them your strength! I have seen you perform greater feats than this.
. . .
Samson... What? Why are you hesitating? What is wrong?
That's right... Ramue's curse weakened you... But unless you lift the pillar, we will be unable to prove ourselves.
I know that.
But we have to do something. Everyone is watching.
*steps forward* ... I will do it...
Even if it kills me.
With one final look back at the group as he stands before the pillar Samson readies himself for what might be his most challenging feat of strength.
You can do it, Sir Samson! You're the hero of Marion!
HAAAH! WHAAA!!!
Samson's body glows twice and his theme starts playing.
HAAAAAAAAA!!
The pillar begins to rise.
in sequence: !!
So this is what the great "Hero of Marion" has been reduced to? Ugh, no, not now.
How pathetic. Do you also bark on command?
Bark, bark, BAAAARRRK! HAHAHA!
Hmph, I guess if you weren't an eager lapdog you wouldn't be in this situation to begin with.
Shut...up.
You're doing it!
You cannot order ME around! You're failing in a simple task as it is!
Aargh. Ugh. Come on!
You suffer and struggle. How amusing.
The pillar rises a bit more.
Just a little more!
Who does this little twerp think he is? He needs to learn the value of silence.
This is taking too long. Hurry up already.
The pain is a barrier but... it is such a delicious pain. Glorious!
"Oh look at me, I'm Samson the strongest man in the world!" Blah, blah, blah! I guess that strength applies only to your mouth, eh Samson? !? What's that? Yeah, that's right, Samson. You have only yourself to blame for this... for ALL of this.
I'm bored. Can't we find something fun to do today?
We could always kill that bothersome man over there. I can feel your hate for him. Why fight it, Samson? He has continually gotten in your way for his own amusement.
Fighting is all poor old Samson knows how to do and even that is proving to be more then he can handle. Not that that should surprise anyone. Isn't that right?
No, don't you dare go there!
Dare? I dare. Do you?
...
*giggling*
No, that's right. You don't dare tell them, do you? What would the boy think? What would he say if he knew who you REALLY are?
Murderer...
How long do you intend to continue this song and dance, hmm? You know you can't keep up the lie forever, Samson.
Warning! Animated GIF ahead!
Samson drops the pillar, causing the ground to rumble with the impact.
Not surprisingly you fail. Again.
Awww, what a rip off. BOOOO!
*breathing heavily* Five minutes... you couldn't be quiet for five damn minutes, could you?
Stings, doesn't it? Don't ever forget, Samson, that you have richly earned this punishment.
Blood for blood, the only justice there truly is.
I... hate you... so... much.
AHAHAHA! Oh, Samson's all upset now. Poor widdle baby.
Go ahead, burn with impotent fury. It will not save you, Samson. We are always watching.
None of them deserve to live and neither do you. You understand?
*barely suppresses a yelp of pain, grinds teeth*
Yes, that's right. You remember now who holds that leash. You can't fight me forever.
Everyone is stunned by Samson dropping the pillar.
Sa... Samson...
Well, um, that could have gone better.
Better then a total disaster? Yeeaaah.
Is it too late to devise a Plan B?
Yes.
I think we'd better start on Plan Get the Hell Out of Here Before We're Put In Chains.
What happened to you? Samson... What happened? The Sir Samson I know could have lifted that easily!
HA! I knew it! You are an impostor!
It is as Glade feared. These must be Bandore spies.
*rushes back to the path* No, we're not! Please, you must believe me! Uncle! Don't you dare call me that! Marion's... prince. Hmph! Whoever you are, your trickery will no longer work here. All of you!! Go back to Marion and tell your emperor that Zalagoon will not be so easily conquered. [sic]
The king walks into the keep. Scarlet starts to follow.
...I believe you. You are my brother's son.
Thank you.
Then she too is gone. Bison then walks onto the path, nods to Edward and goes into the keep. Edward rushes forward but is cut off by Glade.
Just where do you think you are going? You heard the king. You better leave before we decide to throw the lot of you in the dungeon. [sic] The show is over, people!
You... you...
Face it boy, you've lost. Don't waste any more of our time with your lies.
Glade goes into keep and the portcullis closes behind him.
Wow, that was... that was pretty harsh. So much for sending help to Marion.
Don't worry, Finn! I'm sure we'll find another way to save Marion and your father. I don't believe that there is anything we can't accomplish together. [sic]
Kyrraaa! Annie always keeps her head held high. You hear that, Finn? We can't give up.
Yeah I'm not ready to give up either. Too many people are counting on us.
Well, there's no use in staying here anymore. Let's reconsider our options.
We gain control of Finn and Annie once more.
Uh, so, how about that weather? It's been kind of balmy hasn't it? Do you really think small talk will help you here? Maaaaybe?
(direct south) I will not allow any of you treacherous liars to stay behind. Gather your people and then leave.
Did the temperature just drop or is it just me?
It's not just you, Annie.
(east) You had your audience with the king, Bandore scum. Now I suggest you leave while you can.
You humans are so rude!
Uh, Steiner, let's try not to pick any fights while we're here, ok?
(west) And I thought that I might actually see Sir Samson perform one of his great feats. What a disappointment!
*eye roll*
With that we can run around and find ourselves walled into a pretty and well-maintained courtyard with more freestanding pillars. Of course not everyone went into the keep. Sir Piat is still standing in the courtyard in shock.
The Samson I know can lift that up easily. Then, who is he? Samson's just having a bad day, ok?
I don't think he hears us, Finn.
Prrr. Lost in thought...
We also find Prince Edward staring at the keep trying to compose himself. It hasn't been a good day for him.
I... I don't know what to do anymore. Zalagoon won't help us, and Sir Samson is cursed... I understand how you feel, Prince Edward, but we shouldn't lose hope yet.
*nods* Thanks, I'm glad that I can count on you guys.
It's not like we've had any better ideas on how to help Marion. The only idea you had before we met Samson was little more then charge headlong into danger.
See? Steiner gets it.
Running headlong into danger is always your first idea, Finn. I know I'm not really in any position to criticize that since I'm usually running right beside you, but your ideas could still use some work.
That's why Edward's here. That way I don't have to think. He's the brains of our group.
Uh, thanks. I think.
Edward then rejoins the team. He technically never left but now he's walking around with the rest of the group.
Sir Samson?
*breathing heavily* If it weren't for Ramue's curse, we could've proven ourselves. But I'm not ready to give up yet. For Marion's sake, we can't give up. I'm sure Sir Bison is waiting for us. We should go meet him.
Then Samson rejoins and we can return to the guard blocking our way earlier.
(direct south) All right, impostors. You have worn out your welcome at Zalagoon.
(southwest) The advisor was right about you. I was hoping he would be the hero Samson though.
The group trudges toward the outer gate and finds the guards there haven't left their posts but they have become hostile. (Refer to the earlier screenshot if you don't remember how they're laid out.)
They... look pretty angry. Just keep moving. Don't say anything. (1 east) Now get out! Liars!
(east, s-facing) I don't see how anyone could have lifted that huge pillar. Then again, Sir Samson isn't supposed to be just anyone.
(3 east) What happened? I was too far away to see anything.
(4 east) All right, impostors. You have worn out your welcome at Zalagoon. [sic]
(1 west) I came here expecting to see Sir Samson, but it looks like he was just an impostor.
(2 west) You have attempted to deceive Zalagoon. You had best leave while you can.
(3 west) I guess I won't get a chance to see the real Prince of Marion.
(4 west) I saw what happened. You are not Sir Samson.
This is Zalagoon Castle. Unless you're here on official business, you should leave!
With that we are barred entry into the castle and must return to town. From there we can climb (or in Finn's case, jump) down into the sewers and make our way back to where we first met Bison.
Do you really think Sir Bison will be waiting for us?
Absolutely.
When the group reaches their destination they find Sir Bison and Scarlet are indeed waiting for them.
I told you they would come.
I never doubted your sincerity, Sir Bison. I was more worried the castle guard might lose their collective temper. It is good to see you all again even in such unfavorable conditions. We don't have much time, though. We should keep this brief.
At least someone believes us. I cannot express how grateful I am for that.
I was shocked... so shocked when Sir Samson couldn't lift the pillar. Well he did get it off the ground. That's gotta count for something, right?
I think Glade had something a bit more spectacular in mind with his request, Steiner.
I'd like to see that snooty jerk move something half as heavy!
We've played right into Glade's trap! He must've somehow known that Sir Samson would be unable to lift it.
I'm sure there's a good reason... Advisor Glade has always had Zalagoon's best interests at heart.
I don't mean to be rude your highness but he has been acting rather suspiciously, don't you think?
Well, perhaps a little.
I don't understand. How could Glade have known Sir Samson would fail his test?
That... I don't know.
Sir Samson what do you think? You haven't said much.
I think...
Yes?
I think Bandore let us go.
Surely you're not suggesting that Advisor Glade is complicit with Bandore. Zalagoon hasn't had any contact with Bandore in many years. I'd think a messenger would be noticed. I'm not making any accusations. It's too late anyhow. But, my husband won't help you unless you lift the pillar and prove you are who we know you to be. Is that really the only way?
I'm afraid so. He is a very stubborn man once he has made up his mind. I thought I heard you mention that Sir Samson is cursed. Is that true?
Yes.
This curse is so strong that not even a pastor of the church can break it?
We've already tried that.
Well this certainly complicates matters. It explains the pillar. No wonder he was unable to lift it. My poor, dear Samson. I wish there was something we could do to help you.
Right now we need... we need someone well versed in magic.
*nods* You know I remember some old stories I heard a few years ago. In the south, there's a hilltop where the descendants of the ancient elders live. They're rumored to have retained the ancient elder's knowledge of magic and curses. Perhaps you can find someone there who can break this evil curse.
To the south? But won't we have to leave Zalagoon if we go that way? The wild lands...
Any lead is better then sitting around waiting for a miracle. Thank you, Sir Bison.
There you have it. Restore Samson's power and then return here to prove your identity to the king. *half-hearted* We just have to walk across most of the continent to do that. Great. I know it will not be an easy task but you won't leave empty handed. I want Edward to have this.
Are you sure about this your majesty?
Yes.
Very well.
Sir Bison then pulls a treasure chest out of thin air. We'll just kindly ignore the engine limitation here and say he produced a container more fitting for what we're about to receive.
This Magic Bean has been passed down through Marion's royal descendants. I think you should take it now. It is said that, "When Marion faces a great danger, and all seems to be lost, this bean shall save the kingdom and its people."
A bean?
It is what it is.
We are, of course, very grateful for your assistance.
I know it sounds silly but despite what it looks like it is a precious treasure of Marion.
Yes, I can feel a strange magic coming from the box.
When I was married, it was given to me by my brother. Unfortunately, neither I nor my husband could find a way to use the bean to save Marion. Perhaps it was meant for you to use the bean.
It is now up to you to save Marion. Good luck. Please use the bean to restore peace to Marion. Now, I must return to the castle. Take care.
Scarlet leaves. Bison starts to walk away.
Make sure you come back here!
Then he too returns to the castle leaving us with our treasure of dubious value.
Key Item Magic Bean got!
-- BONUS CONTENT --
Samson Age 32 Soldiers are usually ranked lower than knights, but Samson is revered for his bravery. This quality probably comes from an unusual level of strength that is unmatched by anyone in Marion, and also from the loyalty and faithfulness that fills his heart. His is currently Prince Edward's guard and attendant.
So Samson is technically not a knight of Marion, but his rank is effectively the same as theirs it seems. Then again he is the bodyguard for the crown prince (and sole heir) of Marion. How did Samson manage to escape during the invasion but Edward got left behind? That's a very good question and one the game completely glosses over. Fortunately for the prince Bandore is lazy and Samson knew about the secret tunnel.
Next time on Beyond the Beyond - A journey begins with a single step, so the saying goes. Well, we have many, many steps to go before we'll see any resolution to this story arc. On the plus side, though, the game is about to become less linear. There's an end of act summary in the next installment so if that's what you're looking for head over there.
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Enjoy this glimpse inside Samson's troubled mind. He is thoroughly messed up.