Suikoden VI

Chapter Five: Part Four

Part Four

The sun was rising the following morning when Daunte and his group set off for Gregminster. Sharon and Milia were unfortunately still sniping at each other, and Daunte's suspicions that Sharon would be forced to stay behind grew stronger and stronger.

"Here, Lord Daunte," Futch said, motioning him forward. "You can ride with me on Bright."

Daunte was naturally apprehensive about riding on the back of a dragon, but Bright seemed surprisingly friendly-looking for a dragon. Arin was very excited about climbing onto the dragon's back, so Daunte put up no protests and followed suit.

The Dragon Knights took off into the sky, as the residents of the small village shouted their goodbyes at them. The wind blew harshly in Daunte's face, and he felt slight vertigo that he didn't feel in the skyship. He kept his head ducked and his gripped the riding basket so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Arin, however, had a completely reaction. "I'm flying! I'm flying!" he shouted, spreading his arms wide. He laughed and whooped until he lost his balance and fell backwards into Daunte, but luckily Daunte was able to catch him. Futch was unsurprisingly unmoved by the elevation and speed, and he even seemed amused by their reactions.

It was still morning when they reached Gregminster. Daunte saw the large castle first, before seeing the rest of the capital. From their aerial perspective the city had a quaint but charming appearance to it, but it was still larger than life and splendid. Futch circled the castle twice, and Daunte saw a large balcony at the top with what looked like a full-blown garden. It was then that it really started sinking in that he was there, in a foreign land, seeking to learn and understand government structure.

And I'm not even sure I want to lead Nagarea after the war is over. I just want to free my country from tyranny.

The Dragon Knights landed just outside the gates of Gregminster. Daunte began to regroup with Caesar and the others, but Sharon and Milia began arguing once more before he could even speak to Caesar. Suna, Azul, and Zǐsè crooned in response to Sharon's shouting, and the other Dragon Knights looked amused by the display between mother and daughter.

Gunther's face was green when he got off the dragon. "E-E-Excuse m—" he quickly ran for the bushes.

"Wow, that was very pleasant!" Viki laughed.

"They'll be at it for a while," Futch said dryly, obviously referring to Milia and Sharon. "Let's leave them to it. Here, Bright and I will escort you all to the castle."

"That's very nice of you, Futch," Caesar said, though his tone sounded a little bland.

Futch shrugged. "You almost sound like I'm never nice, Caesar. You should know me better than that."

Caesar snorted. "I've heard stories."

Futch and Bright led the way into Gregminster. It was almost ten o'clock in the morning, and the capital was already incredibly lively. Everyone was going about their business, either rushing to work or shopping or simply loitering about. Daunte saw a farmer's market due north near a magnificent fountain, and he wanted to stop and explore the city. But he knew it was important to meet Toran's President first, and didn't ask to stop.

It was very peculiar, though. They were walking straight through the capital with a dragon, and yet it didn't seem out of the ordinary to the people of Gregminster. As they headed north towards the castle, they were frequently stopped by citizens saying hello to Futch, to Caesar, and even to Viki. No one gave Bright a second glance.

But they must be used to seeing dragons, since they have Dragon Knights in Toran.

"We're almost there," Caesar called over his shoulder. They reached the draw bridge that would lead them into the castle grounds. Daunte paused briefly before stepping onto the bridge, and craned his neck back as he looked up at the palace. From the ground it looked even more extravagant, but it also looked...imposing. He knew he had to make the best impression when meeting a foreign leader, especially if this would be a foreign leader Nagarea would have diplomatic relations with.