Suikoden VI

Chapter Seven: Part Five

Part Five

"I was wondering something."

"Eh?" Caesar looked at him. "What is it?"

"Our weapons weren't confiscated in any of the townships we went through," Daunte said. They had both woken up early and were observing the sunrise on the eastern bridge of Brass Castle. "And even the escort we'll be getting from Lady Chris and the Zexan Knights is more of a courtesy than a precaution. It feels like the restrictions in these regions aren't as tight as they are in Falena, Toran, and Dunan. I wonder why?"

"It's a combination of a lot of things," Caesar said. "There's so many free nations pressed together in this region that it would be nonsensical to have soldiers tail you when you're breezing across borders. That, and since both Zexan and the Grasslands are currently in conflict with Tinto, they probably can't spare the people."

"...That makes sense," Daunte said after a moment.

"Since we have a moment I'll give you some more details about the True Rune users in this area," Caesar said. "You've met Lady Chris, and you saw her True Water Rune. Her father, Wyatt Lightfellow, was her predecessor. He fought in the First Fire Bringer War over 50 years ago with the original Flame Champion and Geddoe, that mercenary I've told you about before. He had to abandon his family when the Howling Voice Guild sent an assassin after him and he lived in Karaya Village under the name Jimba."

"Howling Voice Guild," Daunte said. "Barō belongs to the Howling Voice Guild."

"That he does," Caesar said. "But I don't think he was the assassin that was sent after Chris's father. He's too young to have been that assassin. It was probably either Clive or Cathari that they sent. Maybe even that Zaj Quilous that Barō is looking for, but he may have been too young as well."

"Is he dead?" Daunte asked.

"Yes," Caesar said solemnly. "He lost his life during a struggle with Luc to unseal the True Water Rune. Chris took up the True Water Rune in the aftermath and has carried it ever since."

"I'm sorry she lost her father like that," Daunte said. "She seems to be a capable leader despite the tragedies she has suffered."

"Yes, as is Hugo, the current Flame Champion and wielder of the True Fire Rune. Karaya Village was burned down at the onset of the Second Fire Bringer War and he witnessed the murder of his best friend, Lulu. Despite his young age though, he lived up to the name of the Flame Champion and led the Army to victory and saved the world."

Daunte shook his head, a hard lump forming in his throat. "Why does it feel like the people who bear True Runes have nothing but tragedy following their paths?"

Caesar shrugged. "When you wield the power that created the world, it's both a blessing and a curse. I can't speak from experience though as I've never had a True Rune attached to me."

Daunte looked down at the Rune of Restoration on his hand. "...I've already had enough tragedy even before this Rune chose me. I could do without any more."

"Don't worry," Caesar reassured him. "I'm here to make sure that you're successful. And you will be successful, my Lord."

Daunte smiled. "Thank you, Caesar."

"Hey!"

Daunte looked over his shoulder and saw Roen and Felicity running towards them. "There you two are!" Roen said when they got close. "The Zexan Knights are mobilizing! Lady Chris will be leading them to march in a half-hour!"

"So then we better be going in a half-hour," Caesar said.

"I'll go get Arin—" Daunte began but Felicity waved a hand. "Oh, he's in the armory with Louis. He's been asking a ton of questions at rapid-fire. I guess it's really cool for Arin to meet someone who shares his Star. I think he's overwhelming Louis but Louis's esteem seems to have risen with other knights since someone's fawning over him like he's famous."