While Branan's uncle Mathias is recounting the story of Samson slaying thirty Philistines, Philistine soldiers break into Mathias' house and take both of them captive. Branan is brought before Commander Sidon, who orders his execution and holds Mathias prisoner. On the way to his execution, Branan escapes his captors and returns with a band of marauders determined to loot Sidon's palace and to free Mathias.