Suikoden VI

Chapter Two: Part Five

Part Five

There was a chilling silence within the group as they followed Cius back to Sol-Falena's docks. Bearyl was practically stomping with each step, and breathing heavily through his nostrils. Daunte held onto his souvenir for Arin, and remained silent.

While Queen Lymsleia made some valid points, were they really considering an alliance with us or did they have no intention of forging an alliance? It seems odd they invited us all this way just to reject us. There must be something else going on...

"Here we are," Cius said, leading them to their boat. Daunte noticed that many of Sol-Falena's guards were glowering at them but Cius remained pleasant. He wondered if the man had heard all the insulting things Bearyl had said to the Queen, or if he was simply being polite for appearance sake. "As promised we are returning your weapons."

Two guards stepped forward with their weapons and Daunte happily slid his tekko on. Cius was about to speak again when a shout interrupted him. "Please, wait a moment!"

Daunte's mood brightened considerably at this voice and he turned to see Surya and Mokuren racing towards them. "Hey, Prince!" Gunther called out, laughing a little as he waved. "You look so professional in uniform!"

"That's because I am professional," Surya said, but there was no bite to his tone. He held onto his smile as he approached Daunte. "I had heard you guys were about to leave. Do you really want to go so quickly? We can hold you guys up at the inn free of ch—"

"We appreciate the offer Your Highness, but we really must decline," Caesar told him.

Surya looked disappointed but nodded. "Then I'm glad I got here when I did. Daunte." He reached into an inner pocket and produced four envelopes. "I wrote you guys some letters. Please make sure everyone gets theirs."

Daunte accepted the four letters, seeing each labeled 'Daunte', 'Roen', 'Felicity', and 'Arin'. He nodded eagerly. "I will, thanks."

"And here," Surya said, gesturing to Mokuren. The young lady stepped forward and Daunte noticed that she was holding an old worn book with a blue cover. "Arin's penmanship has gotten better, but I thought that he could use an extra reading material. We would like for you to have this book. It's about the Falenan Civil War, but I hope you still find enjoyment from it."

"Thank you, I will." Daunte accepted the book. He opened it to a random page and placed the letters inside. This way I know they won't get wet or damaged.

"Well," Surya said, looking at the others. "No matter what our Parliament decided, I wish you all the best of luck."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Caesar said, bowing slightly. Bearyl said nothing, the rage still visible in his expression and body language as he climbed into the boat.

Daunte was disappointed he wouldn't be able to spend more time with his friend, but he shook Surya's hand. "It was nice seeing you."

"Likewise."

—

"My Lord, I hope you realize why they rejected our alliance."

The escort back to the Hersheville Base and then to Falena's coastline had been in total silence. Daunte welcomed the silence, even though the tension was thick in the air and he knew it was only a matter of time before there was a blowup.

The minute the Hersheville ships left them alone, Gunther leveled Bearyl with a simple statement.

"Really?" Bearyl asked darkly. "Please express your opinion then, Gunther, as to why they rejected our alliance."