Suikoden VI

Chapter Five: Part Seven

Part Seven

Muse was a massive city, easily rivaling Gregminster in size. Klaus and the Dunan soldiers led the escort through the city, past the eager and curious citizens who were pointing and talking loudly. Daunte gripped Arin's hand and kept his little brother close, even as the boy looked around himself in wonderment.

"This city was laid to waste during the Dunan Unification War," Caesar told Daunte.

Daunte looked at him. "Really? I wouldn't have guessed it!"

Caesar smiled. "It's taken a long time for the surviving residents to recover. But the war was eighteen years ago, and the people are obviously better off now than they were then. Make note of everything and listen carefully. When we win our war, we're due for a long recovery time as well."

Daunte never thought of it that way, but he knew Caesar had a point. Things would not magically get better once they were able to topple the Nether Gate assassins who took over the Theocracy. Cities and lives would need to be rebuilt. Then there was the not-so simple matter of choosing the right government for Nagarea.

But that's why I'm here. To learn about different forms of government, and to choose the right one for Nagarea.

Daunte saw the government building overlooking Muse all the way at the back of the city, resting on a large hill. The guards opened the doors for them, and Daunte idly brushed his hands against the door. The Rune of Restoration flickered on his hand, and he stopped dead in his tracks and sucked in a sharp breaths as screams of horror filled his ears. Screams...and delightful sadistic laughter.

No! Please not now! He squeezed his eyes shut.

"Brother?" Arin's voice was full of fear and the Liberation Army was on alert at seeing their Lord in distress. "A-Are you okay?"

The screams and laughter faded as Daunte willed the memory away. He cautiously opened his eyes and was relieved to still find himself in the present. He let out the breath he was holding in. Something awful happened here. It wasn't just a matter of the city being laid to waste. Death...it permeates these walls. The memory of what had happened almost came to me, but I managed to suppress it without seeing it.

"Please accept my apologies," Klaus said softly, turning around to face them. "I should have taken you to your accommodations to relax before meeting President Teresa. You have traveled a great distance, after all. You must be weary."

"N-No," Daunte interjected. He coughed to steady his voice. "I'm okay. I'm ready to meet your President."

"If it will please my Lord," Caesar said, his tone casual. "We will stay for greetings and then retire. We can speak at greater length tomorrow, if the President will be available."

"She will be available in the morning," Klaus confirmed with a smile. He motioned towards the stairs. "If you are ready..."

Klaus took them to a heavily guarded office, but the guards saluted and stepped aside. As they approached the door, Klaus suddenly turned around. "Before you meet our President, I must ask that you surrender your weapons for security's sake."

"Of course," Daunte said, sliding his tekko off and handing to one of the guards. The others also surrendered their weapons without fuss and Klaus nodded his approval. "Then, let's go."

The office was opened to them, and a woman in her mid-forties stood up from the desk and moved to greet them. "Delegates from Nagarea. Welcome to Muse." Her tone was soft and lyrical, and Daunte felt at ease seeing her humble smile.

"How nice to see a beauty running this country," Gunther said quietly.

"This is President Teresa Wisemail," Klaus introduced them, moving to stand by Teresa's side. "A key figure from the Dunan Unification War."