King's Quest VI: Heir Today, Gone Tomorrow (1992 Video Game)
Ron Feinberg: King Caliphim, Lord of the Dead, Gruff
Quotes
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[Alexander must tell the Lord of the Dead a story which will make him weep]
Prince Alexander : Perhaps, a tale of my love?
Lord of the Dead : There is nothing you can say of love that will make me cry, mortal. I have had Cleopatra and Helen of Troy stand before me, and they moved me not. Your common desires mean nothing to me.
-
Prince Alexander : [If the player clicks the mirror icon on Lord of the Dead] If your existence has been all that you say it has, then truth alone shall be my sword.
Narrator : [Alexander holds the magic mirror for Lord of the Dead to look at] The mirror's surface swirls with darkness for a moment, then fills with images even blacker. Reflections of despair, of wailing souls, of shackles colder and more immutable than any forged by man, of a world of thirsts that can never be quenched. Alexander feels the mirror tremble in his grasp and is glad that he cannot see its face, but the Lord of the Dead is transfixed to the mirror, to the screening of his life.
Narrator : Things long forgotten are once more uncovered: his enslavement to this throne while still a man, the years of watching misery and horror and growing ever more numb to it, the seep of his own humanity, the slow growth of a new thing altogether which became that which he is now. His is an existence that has no possibility of redemption, no end. The surrounding spirits draw away in pain. The truth is so sharp, it stabs, so intense, it sears.
Man Spirit , Woman Spirit : Gasp! Aeiii! Take it away! Make it stop!
[Then the magic mirror shatters and Lord of the Dead sheds a teardrop from his face]
Narrator : The mirror of truth cracks from the strain... And Death sheds a single, gray tear.
Lord of the Dead : Truth is, indeed, a terrible thing. I have worn this mantle for so long, I had forgotten its dreadful weight. You shall take the souls and leave, as I agreed. You have been granted a stay from this inevitable reality. I almost... envy you. Find the souls he has claimed and bring them to me.
[Then the camera pans out to the throne room and the spirits of King Caliphim and Queen Allaria floats down]
Lord of the Dead : King Caliphim and Queen Allaria, I presume. Your hero has won you a few more years of mortality. May your souls be more prepared for their rest when you return.
[Then King Caliphim and Queen Allaria are brought back to life]
Queen Allaria : Thank you my lord. I hope that they will.
Lord of the Dead : And you, man of flesh. My steed shall take the three of you back to the land of the living. Tell her where it is you wish to go.
[Then Nightmare the winged horse lands in the throne room]
Lord of the Dead : Until we meet again, then. I assure you, we WILL meet again.
Prince Alexander : No offense, my lord, but I hope that it will be many long years from now.
Lord of the Dead : It is never as long as you might wish, mortal. Now begone.
Prince Alexander : Yes my lord.
[Then Alexander, King Caliphim and Queen Allaria all get on the winged horse Nightmare and the horse takes off and flies to the Land of the Green Isles]
-
Prince Alexander : [If the player clicks the gauntlet icon on Lord of the Dead. Alexander will drop the gauntlet] I did not come here to die, but to demand my right of challenge! I respectfully challenge thee, Death, by throwing down this gauntlet! Man may pass the portal, and seeks its master Death. Man may pass where Death has trod, and challenge, like Scheherazade, He who reigns beneath the sod, to spare a mortal's breath.
Woman Spirit : He has the gauntlet!
Man Spirit : Impossible! He challenges Death!
Lord of the Dead : Who are you to challenge Death?
Prince Alexander : A man of flesh is all I need to be, my lord.
Lord of the Dead : And what is it that you seek with this challenge? The soul of some dead maiden?
Prince Alexander : I seek the souls of King Caliphim and Queen Allaria of the Land of the Green Isles.
Lord of the Dead : You would save two human souls and emerge alive from this realm yourself? That shall be a difficult challenge indeed. The tomb does not open its doors lightly.
Prince Alexander : Either all three of us leave, or none go.
Lord of the Dead : Very well. Then let me think of an appropriate task. Ahhh. Yes. I have it now. Your challenge is this: for thousands of years I have sat upon this throne. I have heard every sad tale that can be told by human lips. I have seen tragedies that ended empires, injustices that defy reason, love that would light the very stars turned cold and hard. I have seen torments that cannot possibly be borne and yet must be - for centuries. This thing I have never done: I have never shed a tear. Make me cry, thou "man of flesh". That is my challenge.
Woman Spirit : Make Death cry?
Man Spirit : Sooner could he turn sea to stone! Or fire to ice!
-
Narrator : Alexander politely addressees the odd looking guards at the castle doors. Hoping to learn more about his predicament.
Prince Alexander : Good day to you, guards. I was cast upon this island in a storm, and I'm a little confused about my location. Could you tell me what place this is, and who lives in this castle?
Gruff : Eh? What is that you say? A castaway? A likely story! We haven't had any foreigners in this part since Alhazred arrived!
Woof : Baa Don't be so rude, Gruff! He's not asking for any secrets. You're standing on the Isle of the Crown, lad, and this is the Castle of the Crown. The royal family resides here. Or, rather, what's left of the royal family.
Prince Alexander : The Isle of the Crown? But tell me, am I anywhere near the Land of the Green Isles?
Gruff : This is the Land of the Green Isles! The Isle of the Crown is the main island, foolish boy!
Prince Alexander : Then Princess Cassima must live in this very castle!
Woof : Aye! The princess is indeed our treasured jewel to guard and we consider it an honor!
-
Narrator : [If the player clicks the ring icon on the guard dogs] Alexander decides to show his royal insignia ring to the Castle of the Crown guards. With all of his papers lost in the shipwreck, it is the only possible calling card he can think of.
Prince Alexander : Good day. I'm Prince Alexander of Daventry. I'm an acquaintance of Princess Cassima, if you could inform her that I'm here please.
Gruff : Heh! So everyone says. Let me just look at that ring!
Woof : What does it say Gruff?
Gruff : Kingdom of Daventry, Prince Alexander, Sigh! Wait here while I go see what Captain Saladin thinks of this!
[the guard dog opens the gates, goes inside and brings out Captain Saladin to meet Alexander]
Narrator : The guard returns a moment later with a majestic looking creature. Captain Saladin speaks with a voice that is gentle but reflects a will of iron.
Captain Saladin : Prince Alexander of Daventry, I presume. I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with your country, but I'm sure Vizier Alhazred will want to meet you if indeed, you are a friend of the princess. Please, follow me.
[Alexander walks in the castle doors with Captain Saladin and the guard dog closes the gate]
-
Prince Alexander : Who are you, grieving spirits?
Queen Allaria : I am Queen Allaria of the Land of the Green Isles, and this beloved spirit is my husband, King Caliphim. We were murdered in our beds by our trusted vizier. Like a viper, he snuck in during the night and stabbed us in our sleep! Now my husband's soul is broken and he will not speak.
Prince Alexander : Then you are the ones I seek. Are you not the parents of Princess Cassima?
Queen Allaria : Our daughter! Have you news of the princess?
Prince Alexander : I know that she is alive and safely back in her kingdom after being rescued from Mordack. But I'm afraid I have not personally seen her. Alhazred is keeping her in her room in mourning for you.
Queen Allaria : I am glad to hear of her return, but she will not be safe alone with that devil! Oh, that we could be there to protect her!
King Caliphim : Cassima! How I've failed thee!
Queen Allaria : My poor husband will never rest while our murder goes unavenged and our daughter is in danger!
Prince Alexander : I came to take you back with me. Your people are still loyal to you. They need to know about the vizier. Cassima needs you too.
Queen Allaria : But this is the Realm of the Dead! We cannot leave it! Nor, for that matter, can you. The only one who might be able to return us all to the land of the living is the Lord of the Dead, but he would never help us. He has no mercy.
Prince Alexander : I might be able to convince him. I must try.
Queen Allaria : Then, take this. It is my ticket to the Underworld. There you will find the Lord of the Dead. I cannot use the ticket as long as I'm chained here, and if we cannot be avenged, I will never be unchained.
Prince Alexander : Thank you. Perhaps it will save us all.
[Queen Allaria gives the ticket to Alexander]
Queen Allaria : Be careful young man. If you can ease my husband's torment and help our daughter, we will be most grateful.
Prince Alexander : I will do my best. Goodbye, Queen Allaria.
-
Prince Alexander : Excuse me. I'd like an audience please.
Narrator : The shrouded guards escort Alexander to the throne of the Lord of the Dead.
Lord of the Dead : Why have you entered my domain still wearing your flesh? If you are so anxious for Death, you might have found it easily enough in the land of the living. But, since you are here, you are most welcome to stay. Kiss my hand, and you will be one with the spirits. There will be no pain.
-
Narrator : A group of Serving Women approach the castle.
[Gruff the Guard Dog opens the gate]
Gruff : Hurry up girls! There's plenty of work afoot today! No time to dawdle!
Serving Women : Yes Sergeant Gruff!
[Then the first four serving women enters the castle gate and Gruff closes the gate and back to his post]
Gruff : It's well that they're here Woof, Cook has about driven himself mad I hear! Worrying over the wedding preparations!
Woof : Aye ruff! What a celebration there will be today! Wine will flow like a river of red!
-
Narrator : A group of Serving Women approach the castle.
[Gruff the Guard Dog opens the gate]
Gruff : Ah Woof! more serving women, the castle staff is certainly busy today!
[Woof opens the castle gate]
Woof : Aye Gruff! Get a move on there wenches! There's plenty of work left to do before the wedding!
Serving Women : Yes Sergeant Gruff!
[Then the second four serving women enters the castle gate and Woof closes the gate and back to his post]
Woof : Those serving wenches are always late!
-
Narrator : [If the player clicks the dress icon on Alexander] Taking his cue from the serving women he's seen enter the castle, Alexander decides to try a few alterations to make himself more acceptable to the guards. He ducks into the little hut to put on Beauty's Clothes. Feeling a little foolish, Alexander slips Beauty's old slave clothes on over his own. Imagine if Cassima saw him like this.
Prince Alexander : [Alexander wears Beauty's dress and makes himself look like a cross dresser] Well, sigh, here we go.
Gruff : [Alexander walks up to the castle gate and Woof opens the castle gate] You there! Girl! You're late! Get a move on before the Vizier sees you!
Prince Alexander : Yes! Ahem, Yes sir.
[Alexander walks inside the castle and Woof closes the gate behind him]
Narrator : The castle guards locks the main entrance doors behind Alexander. From the open door, comes the clatter of pots and pans. Yelled instructions and other busy kitchen noises.
[Then a Man Cook opens the left door and looks at Alexander]
Man Cook : Girl! Don't just stand there, there's a stack of silver almost to the ceiling that needs polishing for the wedding! Get a move on!
[Then the Man Cook walks over to the right door and opens it, he closes it and locks it behind him]
Prince Alexander : Phew. I can't afford to get caught up in that mess, I'd never find Cassima.
[Alexander takes off the dress being in his former clothes he now wears. He throws Beauty's clothes away in the big urn jar]
-
Prince Alexander : [after Alexander, Allaraia, and Caliphim on the winged horse lands on the beach. Alexander dismounts off the horse] Are you coming, Majesty?
King Caliphim : Alhazred's treachery must be handled carefully, Alexander. Allaria and I must go gather our allies and form a plan. Watch over Cassima. Make sure she comes to no harm. We will return as soon as we can to take back all that has been stolen from us.
Prince Alexander : I will keep her safe until your return.
Queen Allaria : Thank you, son. Your love for our daughter must be deep indeed for you to have undertaken Death itself for our sakes.
King Caliphim : Indeed. May we succeed in what awaits us, and live long together as a family.
[Then the black winged horse flies off with Caliphim and Allaria]
-
Prince Alexander : Hold villain! You shall not marry the princess!
[Alexander and Saladin walks over to Abdul and the fake Cassima]
Vizier Abdul Alhazred : Prince Alexander, here? This is an outrage! How dare you to allow this traitor to get past you Saladin! You stupid mutt! Can't you even keep the castle free of assassins during your own princess's wedding? Kill him! Kill him now!
Captain Saladin : Grr. Lord Alhazred... With all due respect, you are not quite king yet. And this is a wedding ceremony, not an execution.
Vizier Abdul Alhazred : What? How dare you contradict me, you flea-bitten mongrel? I gave a direct order. Obey me or feel my wrath!
Captain Saladin : Mi Lady, I apologize for my behavior, but I am yours to command in all things. I wanted merely to hear your own wishes from your own lips. Tell me what it is that you wish me to do with this young man, and I will obey.
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : [the golden eyes reveals her to be the fake Cassima] Why Captain, you heard my dear Abdul. If he wishes this atrocious young man's death, then I want nothing more than to see him get his wish. Obey thy liege now and always.
Captain Saladin : As you wish princess.
Narrator : Just as Saladin prepares to run Alexander through with his sword, a shout is heard from the direction of the grand hall...
King Caliphim : HOLD! In the name of the true king!
Narrator : King Caliphim and Queen Allaria burst into the throne room looking alive and well, and full of wrath! Behind them, a line of supporters look prepared to battle, if necessary, for their beloved royal couple!
[Caliphim and Allaria both walks over to the fake Cassima]
Queen Allaria : Cassima! Darling, are you all right? Has he hurt you?
King Caliphim : Hands off of her you murderous goat!
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : If I want your advice, I'll ask for it... MOTHER!
Queen Allaria : But... Caliphim... that's not Cassima! I'd know my daughter anywhere!
King Caliphim : What have you done with our daughter, you devil?
Narrator : The lovely image of Cassima suddenly bursts into smoke and is replaced by... the vizier's genie!
[the fake Cassima changes back to reveal Shamir Shamazel]
Captain Saladin : Why you... you conniving serpent!
King Caliphim : Get him guards! Saladin, your sword!
Vizier Abdul Alhazred : DRAT IT ALL! You may have ruined my plans, but you won't get me or your precious Cassima! Get them, Shamir! I Command you!
[Abdul runs away in the back door]
King Caliphim : He's getting away! Stop him!
Captain Saladin : Yes, Sire! As soon as I deal with this genie!
[Shamir teleports from one spot to another]
Narrator : Shamir, the viziers genie, begins to throw balls of dazzling light at the guard dogs!
-
Narrator : [the long path ending with the Genie captured alive. A week later the wedding ceremony takes place with Alexanders parents and sister, Cassimas parents, Jollo, Shamir, and the rest of the Isle kingdom citizens. the song Here Comes the Bride plays] One week later... Cassima and Alexander ask Captain Saladin to perform their wedding ceremony. Saladin is honored to do so.
Captain Saladin : On this historical day of great joy in the Land of the Green Isles, we witness the union of Cassima, beloved princess of this realm, and Alexander, prince of Daventry! Do you, Prince Alexander of Daventry, take Princess Cassima to be your wife, to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?
Prince Alexander : I do.
Captain Saladin : And do you, Princess Cassima of the Land of the Green Isles, take Prince Alexander to be your husband, to love and to cherish, for as long as you both shall live?
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : I do.
Captain Saladin : Do you have a ring?
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : I have Alexander's royal insignia ring.
Captain Saladin : Very good. Please place the ring on Cassima's finger.
[Alexander puts his royal ring on Cassimas finger]
Captain Saladin : Who gives this bride to be wed?
King Caliphim : Her mother and I willingly give our daughter's hand in wedlock.
Captain Saladin : Who will speak for the groom?
King Graham : I will. Alexander's mother and I recognize his marriage to Princess Cassima with glad hearts and sanction this union.
Captain Saladin : Then, Alexander and Cassima, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
[Alexander and Cassima both kiss each other]
Town Citizens : Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
King Caliphim : Congratulations, my children! I have an important question for you both, please hear me!
Prince Alexander : Yes, Sire?
King Caliphim : Alexander, I welcome you into our family with open arms! I placed trust in Alhazred because I so badly wanted a son and a husband for my beloved daughter. I was wrong. But you are true and good, Alexander, you have proven yourself to all my people.
Prince Alexander : Thank you Sire.
King Caliphim : Allaria and I have been through much. Even though we have returned to our kingdom, I do not think we are able to reign again. Will you two consider the Crown? I know as king and queen you can heal this small kingdom from all the damage that Alhazred has inflicted upon it.
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : Oh Father!
Prince Alexander : Why, I'm honored... What do you think Cassima?
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : I love my homeland, Alexander. I would be happy to stay and to serve it all my days.
Prince Alexander : Father? I believe I am needed here. Would you be very disappointed if...
King Graham : Son, you must follow your destiny. I do believe the Land of the Green Isles needs you. You'll be a magnificent king, though dearly missed in Daventry.
Prince Alexander : Then, I accept.
Queen Valanice : Oh my boy! What a man you've become, and how I will miss you!
Prince Alexander : Don't worry Mother. With Shamir's powers we'll be able to visit often! I'm not about to forget my family.
Princess Rosella : Hmmm. Congratulations, Alexander! I'm so proud of you!
Prince Alexander : Thank you, dear sister.
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : Oh, Alexander, I'm so glad! Between the return of my beloved parents and our new reign, you've made me so happy!
Prince Alexander : I'm glad I could make up for some of your suffering, my beautiful wife.
King Graham : Congratulations, King Alexander! When we return home to Daventry, your crew will be glad to hear that their battle at sea was worthwhile in bringing forth a new monarch!
Queen Valanice : We were so worried when your men arrived home without you, son! I'm so thankful that you are safe and happy!
Prince Alexander : And I am as grateful that my crew did not pay for my driven heart!
Captain Saladin : You have only brought us all good fortune, Sire! With Shamir saved, and his power used for good, reuniting the islands will be far easier. He has already repaired the ferry. Your road will be easier now that the islands are no longer feuding. Already the wounds are starting to heal.
Princess Cassima, Additional Voices : Yes, my love, discovering the island's stolen treasures has done more to bring peace to this land than anything else. It is now clear that Alhazred had Shamir steal each of the island's most valued treasures, then blamed the thefts on others to cause the island to hate each other.
Captain Saladin : Now, let us celebrate our good fortune! The evil that has plagued this land is done, and a new reign begins! Long live King Alexander and Queen Cassima!
[Shamir teleports and throws confetti in the air, Jollo dances]
Town Citizens : Long live King Alexander! Long live Queen Cassima! Long live the Land of the Green Isles! Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!
[the game ends and ending credits play]
