Julius did not always serve the Bastion. They were chosen when they collapsed at an abandoned shrine, where the Bastion compelled them to be his knight. Now Julius travels the land and acts out the Bastion's will, though their connection to the god grows ever fainter. Sometimes they do not remember what their purpose is.
When they come to the town where they meet Laurie, they have a chance to slow down and reflect—but this can't last forever.
They have never been free of bloodshed.