Suikoden VI

Chapter Two: Part Seven

Part Seven

Four days later...

"So, this is what I found," Oboro said, handing Daunte a list. "Based on the investigating I did, you should be able to find suitable recruits in the northeast portion of Winter Hill and in K'alak'i Patieba."

"K'alak'i Patieba?" Daunte asked, looking up. "Does this mean Tidur is willing to join us now?"

"Why not pay the town a visit and see? Also..." Oboro leaned across his desk slightly. "There have been rumblings from the Dark Chasm. I couldn't get close enough to find any more details, but I think we should look into it."

"We should be there anyways, liberating the Dark Chasm," Daunte said harshly. He shook his head. "Oboro, would you mind doing me another favor?"

"Certainly, Daunte."

"I want to know if Zander is okay. He undoubtedly met up with the other survivors of Agameru, but would you mind looking for him?"

"Well, truth be told Lord Caesar already asked me to find him and thus far I've had no luck. But I will certainly give it another try."

"Thank you. Let me—" Daunte reached into his pocket for some bits, but Oboro shook his head at him. "There's no need, Daunte. Lord Caesar already paid me for the task so I intend on seeing it through."

"A-All right."

"Oh, there you are Daunte." A soldier suddenly came into Oboro's office. "Lord Bearyl has summoned you."

Daunte looked at the soldier with surprise before glancing back at Oboro. "I-I'll talk with you later," he said, bowing slightly.

Oboro nodded, smiling in his strange way. "Good luck."

Daunte followed the soldier out of Oboro's office and upstairs towards the war room. He almost wished that Felicity and Roen were with him so he wouldn't have to face Bearyl Lutis by himself, as they had returned from their mission just yesterday. But he tried to remain calm as he was announced into the war room.

"Ah, there you are," Bearyl greeted him. At least Bearyl didn't look angry with him but he also didn't look inviting. Behind him Varnaz remained at the table, but Caesar came down to join Bearyl in greeting Daunte. "I'm lifting your suspension, Daunte."

Daunte was surprised. So soon? I was suspended for much longer for helping the Falenan royal family!

The surprise must have been clear on his face, because Bearyl then said, "We need every man we can get. You're no use to us if you're just sitting around here doing nothing."

"T-Thank you, my Lord," Daunte said, bowing.

"I'm sending you on another recruitment quest," Bearyl told him, folding his arms over his chest. "Gunther has told me you have quite the power of persuasion, so I'd like to see that be put to good use."

Daunte nodded eagerly. "I understand, sir." This will allow me to go and look for Zander myself!

"But I want you to bring back some actual recruits this time," Bearyl told him sharply. "People who can actually fight, Daunte. I already have enough stragglers in my Army, I don't need any more."

Daunte snapped his teeth in irritation. He'd brought back two merchants on his last recruitment quest, and Bearyl had been pleased with that fact. In private, at least. In public he had no problem emasculating Daunte for not bringing back anyone "useful".

"Having soldiers is always useful for an army, my Lord," Caesar spoke behind Bearyl. "But there is always more to an army than that."

"I'm well aware of that, Caesar." Bearyl looked at Daunte. "Do you understand your orders?"