[Jecht has to laugh. Long and hard, fingers of one hand slid into his hair like he's holding his head together, even as he joins her to start the walk. Guess it can't be helped -- long story or no, they're doing some of this, huh?]

Yep. You got it. Guardians protect the summoner on his pilgrimage. Spira's a rough place, plenty of fiends to cause trouble, so you send people along who'll help the summoner stay alive on the trip.