Three years past, Daein mustered all of its formidable military might and cut a bloody swath through neighbouring Crimea in a sudden invasion. Daein was defeated, however, and the dreams of its ruler, the Mad King Ashnard, died with him.

Ashnard's son, Pelleas, possesses a gentle sincerity that is a bright counterpoint to his late father's violence, duplicity and insanity. Ill-suited as he appears to these troubled times, his presence is a welcome sight of Micaiah's eyes. Pelleas, declared rightful heir to the throne, finds his name becoming Daein's rallying cry. At his side is the only person he believes can lead his Liberation Army… the Silver-Haired Maiden.


"Assembling is forbidden! All violators will be punished immediately!" a Begnion yelled at a small group of Daeins.

"Assembling? We were just talking about the well…" a man said. The Begnion levelled his lance, and stabbed him.

"Silence! No excuses!" the Begnion said.

"Can I really have just seen that?" Lady Fiona Lanvega asked, watching the Begnion soldiers 'keep the peace'.

"Lady Lanvega. The self-proclaimed Liberation Army is on the march. The army of Marado has been ordered to deploy with us," Jarod said, approaching her.

"Understood, General. We will prepare immediately… but I need to address your soldiers' conduct," Fiona said, eyeing the Begnions who remained at the well.

"A new war is afoot. You refused to follow Ashnard into the last one. You have a reputation for choosing the correct side to follow. Don't endanger your people by hurling ugly accusations at my soldiers. I needn't worry that you fail to answer the empire's call," Jarod said. Fiona turned to Jarod.

"I will not lie to you. My people are proud citizens of Daein, and some agree with these so-called liberators… As one of the true Four Horsemen of Daein, I will not lead my people into danger over ridiculous rumours of an unknown orphan prince," Fiona said.

"Glad to hear it," Jarod said. Fiona rolled her eyes, and cantered away.

"I need a volunteer," Jarod said. A Begnion stepped forward nervously.

"Follow that woman's every move. I trust her about as far as I can throw her… horse included," Jarod said.


Meanwhile, back in the Daein Liberation Camp, Izuka had called a meeting of tactics.

"Well, well, well… The rumours my operatives started spread like wildfire through all of Daein!" Izuka said. "'Late King Ashnard's orphan surfaces!' 'Silver-Haired Maiden at Prince Pelleas's side!' Now that we have the people's attention, we snag their hearts! Extol the saviour, fan the rebellion, go to battle… and conquer the enemy in a blaze of glory!"

"Do we have sufficient forces to arouse said rebellion and achieve victory?" Sothe asked, not even looking at Izuka.

"You let me worry about that! This highly sophisticated strategizing is beyond your feeble minds! Worry not, prince. After painstaking investigation, I have determined the exact locations to target. Gather 'round… hear my plan for our next strike!" Izuka said. Everyone looked at Izuka's map of Daein. Thirteen red dots were labelled in the country of Daein.

"If the Liberation Army attacks any of these places, we are assured absolute victory," Izuka said.

"Masterful as always, Izuka. It's good to know I can count on you," Pelleas said.

"First, we'll target Talrega. It borders the frontier. Begnion has a shaky hold… and resentment runs high!" Izuka said.

"No… Talrega's no good," Micaiah said.

"Wha… what was that? On what grounds are my masterful decisions being questioned by… by this sub-human?" Izuka asked.

"Izuka, please-" Pelleas started, before cutting himself off.

"The timing is wrong. We won't be able to make any headway… the weather has simply been too poor," Micaiah said.

"It's true. I'm from Talrega, and I remember those landslides and floods of the springtime. The mountain road in question is notoriously dangerous," Jill added.

"What? Impossible! My strategy is flawless! Perfect!" Izuka babbled.

"Micaiah, where do you want to go?" Sothe asked. Micaiah closed her eyes, and brushed her hand against the map.

"…Terin. We'll have better luck in Terin," Micaiah said.

"…Terin, too, lies in the mountains, but in the arid northern region, with more fair weather on our side," Tauroneo said.

"Micaiah, you're amazing! You're a great girl to have as vice-general," Pelleas said.

"Lady Micaiah, outsiders are rarely aware of the landslides of Talrega. Have you been there before?" Jill asked.

"Micaiah has magnificent skill as a seer and diviner of futures. The Dawn Brigade owes our lives and freedoms to her Foresight," Sothe said.

"AHGHK!" Izuka said.

"My goodness, Izuka… what now?" Pelleas asked.

"She can foresee battle outcomes? Magnificent! Why was I not informed of this immediately? This makes the maiden more appealing! And let's be honest, my Foresight in decreeing her vice-general was wondrous… GENIUS!" Izuka said. Sothe reached for a knife, before eventually declining.

"Excellent. Well then, all bow to the maiden's vision. We leave camp and make for Terin!" Izuka said.


"So, you're staying, then?" Kurth asked Lady Almedha.

"I appreciate your concern, brother. However…" Almedha said.

"You cannot leave Prince Pelleas's side… is that not so?" Kurth asked.

"That's right," Almedha said.

"At the very least… take this. Do you remember how to use one?" Kurth asked, handing Almedha a small, white rock.

"A sending stone? Of course… but it's such a precious gift… are you sure I should have it?" Almedha asked. Kurth nodded.

"Thank you, brother," Almedha said.

"Kurth? Where are you?" a girl called.

"I must go now," Almedha said.

"Remain safe, please…" Kurth said, pulling up his hood. He turned to Lady Micaiah.

"Micaiah! How nice to see you!" Kurth said.

"Kurth… I'm leaving for Terin. I know this is rather sudden… to tell you the truth, I'm surprised, too," Micaiah said.

"You are off to perform your first duties as general of the Liberation Army… I abhor violence. I don't think you should fight," Kurth said.

"Kurth, I don't fight for the fun of it…" Micaiah said.

"I know. I know… You wish for another way. I understand this is what you feel you must do to save your country…" Kurth said.

"…I'm sorry, Kurth," Micaiah said.

"…Take this, Micaiah. It is a bundle of pure Olivi Grass… I hope that one day, you will be able to make use of your laguz form. I must leave you know… I must head home to my own country," Kurth said.

"So soon?" Micaiah asked, looking at the Olivi Grass uncertainly.

"I'm sorry… being close to battle frightens me. Thanks for rescuing me… and thanks for the time we spent together. I enjoyed it immensely," Kurth said. Micaiah, on an impulse, hugged him goodbye.

"Will I ever see you again?" Micaiah asked.

"Who knows… we leave that up to the goddess to decide," Kurth said. Micaiah let go of him, and took a breath.

"I suppose we must…" Micaiah said.


"A small troop approaches from the east! It appears to be the Daein Liberation Army!" a Begnion cried out.

"Blissfully ignorant of the trap that awaits… I pity them. Have the first platoon assume battle positions," Laverton said. He turned around, to find Fiona.

"Shall we deploy, too?" Fiona asked.

"Kind of you to offer, Lady Lanvega. But the first platoon will suffice here. This is none of Marado's business," Laverton said.

"…In that case, I will use this opportunity to observe the empire's army at work," Fiona said.


The Daein army plodded along Terin. Begnions began swarming them, but Tauroneo and Zihark effortlessly slowed them down. A few pegasus knights appeared, and Jill took to the skies to attack them. The Dawn Brigade managed to defeat some foes, but Tauroneo and Zihark left little for them to do. They crossed a blockade, and found themselves facing a few more foes.

"Hold… that blue armour… it looks quite familiar," Tauroneo said.

"Is she a Daein soldier?" Micaiah asked.

"…Unless her armour was stolen by Begnion, which is not likely at all, we are looking at the last of the Four Horsemen of Daein who served Ashnard's late father. General Fiona Lanvega," Tauroneo said.

"Hornet hairs… at this rate, they'll breach our lines before we can stop them!" an opposing Begnion said. "I have no choice… you! Bring out the prisoners!" A Begnion turned around, and brought out five civilians of Daein.

"Lord Laverton, exactly what are you planning to do?" Fiona asked.

"This Liberation Army is forcing me to sacrifice this boy!" Laverton said.

"No!" Micaiah cried out.

"Fight, and these people will be executed right now. Surrender, and they will be spared," Laverton said.

"…Everyone, throw down your weapons," Tauroneo said, tossing his lance down to the ground. Everyone looked at him like he was insane, until Micaiah's book followed it. Everyone then immediately complied with Laverton's request.

"A wise choice, girl… well, no need for prisoners anymore. Kill them all!" Laverton said.

"If there's one thing you can count on General Lanvega to do…" Tauroneo whispered. Everyone watched, as Fiona tossed her lance at Laverton. Laverton was thrown off his horse, but he was not yet injured. Fiona scooped up the young boy, and several of her squad scooped up the other prisoners.

"I'll have nothing to do with you and your monstrous tactics!" Fiona said.

"Is that she'll always fight for the citizens of Daein," Tauroneo said.

"So you betray us after all. Marado has never been known for holding its faith. You'll die with the Liberation Army, Horseman Lanvega!" Laverton said.

"And now we must reinforce her and help save the hostages," Tauroneo said. Tauroneo began his march forward. Fiona's troops cheered, and hid behind Tauroneo. Tauroneo began an offensive, and the Dawn Brigade took another route to reach Laverton.

"You… you pretentious fools! I'll show you how insignificant you are!" Laverton cackled. Micaiah cast a Thani, causing Laverton to recoil significantly.

"You… hostages. I will never understand why I supported Begnion…" Fiona said, approaching Laverton. Her lance was tight in her grip.

"Lady Lanvega, please…" Laverton began.

"Save it. I've had enough of you and your snivelling ways," Fiona said. She tossed her lance again. This time, her aim struck true, and Laverton was defeated correctly.


"Dear boy, I'm sorry you had to suffer on our account," Micaiah said, talking to the youngest of the hostages.

"I wasn't scared. I knew the Dawn Brigade would save us! Thank you!" he said excitedly. Fiona approached Micaiah, and bowed.

"Thank you for saving my people," Fiona said.

"Horseman Lanvega…" Tauroneo said.

"Yes… Horseman Tauroneo. I see your approach is as dauntless and reckless as ever," Fiona said.

"And you focus on saving the people before you actually fight… it's nice to see you again, at any rate," Tauroneo said.

"Yes… I renounced my rank and title as Horseman long ago, though. I didn't want to serve King Ashnard… it's hard to protect the people when your king is insane. You've heard the rumours that Ashnard murdered his own father? Yeah, it's easy to see why I left… but, in order to uphold my own values, my efforts were not applied to defeating Crimea…" Fiona said.

"If you're trying to make yourself look bad, you're doing an awful job. You did your people proud, Lady Lanvega. You chose the path that would protect the most people. But now, Begnion is willing to sacrifice… children, to maintain their grip over our country. We ask you to lend your strength, mighty Horseman of Daein, to the Liberation Army. Together, we can reclaim our country. After all, 'Four Horsemen of Daein, one country, one king. While they bear our banner-'" Micaiah said.

"'A free Daein shall sing.' You ask us to bear part of the burden of restoring our motherland… I, Lady Fiona Lanvega, Horseman of Daein, gladly swear allegiance to your Liberation Army. I and my men bind ourselves to your fate. Use my forces as you see fit," Fiona said.


"And now Marado betrays us as well?" Jarod asked his superior, a senator of Begnion. "You are aware that there have been three riots yesterday. All of them quelled immediately, but unrest grows."

"Who cares what the commoners do or think? Does the shepherd fuss when his sheep butt heads against the fence post?" Numida of Seliora asked of Jarod.

"Nevertheless, as insurgence grows, news of it will reach Begnion," Jarod said.

"I see… yes, that would be rather… less than desirable," Numida said.

"The Imperial Prime Minister Sephiran casts a grim eye on dishonesty. If he finds out what's been going on in Daein under our rule…" Jarod said.

"Not good… Sephiran's the persistence of a mosquito, and is quick to judge to boot. Though you and I know we've been nothing but fair and just… let's avoid an inquiry," Numida said.

"We have one recourse left… crush the rebel faction before it grows too large. Exterminate them. Then the commoners, bereft of hope, will turn their sheep eyes back to us and beg to rejoin the flock," Jarod said.

"I see. I leave the matter to you. You may have whatever funding you need," Numida said.

"I'm glad we've reached an agreement. Now then, if you'll excuse me, I believe I need to go hunt some mutton," Jarod said.