"Volug says he smells a lot of beorc to the south", Micaiah translated. "They are armed, and it appears that they are fighting."
"Then we had better check it out", Sothe suggested.
Micaiah nodded, and the Dawn Brigade set out.
They found ruins similar to those they had seen earlier. An entire regiment of Begnion soldiers was trying to get to the entrance, which was protected only by three warriors, who were fighting ferociously.
"What's going on here?", Nolan asked with a frown.
"I say we help those people out!", Edward exclaimed. "We can ask questions later."
"Agreed", Micaiah said. "If Begnion attacks them, they might be our allies."
They managed to take the Begnion soldiers by surprise, so they had no time to change their formation in time. Volug simply tore apart anyone foolish enough to stand in his way. Sothe and Nolan followed right behind him. Edward and Aran teamed up to fight more efficiently, while Leonardo, Micaiah and Ilyana attacked from the rear. Laura stayed back and did her best not to get into anyone's way.
Finally, they managed to drive away the Begnion soldiers, and were able to join the others. Sothe stepped forward to greet them.
"General Tauroneo! Jill! Zihark! It's good to see you again."
"Greetings, Sothe", Jill replied. "You have grown."
"So have you. But what are you all doing out here in the middle of nowhere?"
"We are protecting the prince", Tauroneo answered.
"So, the rumours indeed were true", Micaiah said.
"Would you introduce your friends to us, Sothe?", the general asked.
"Of course. This is Micaiah, my – sister. She is the leader of the Dawn Brigade. And those are our comrades."
"Ah, so you are those heroic thieves", Tauroneo said, smiling. "It is a pleasure making your acquaintance."
"The pleasure is mine", Micaiah replied.
The next moment, a man dressed in black robes came scurrying out of the building. He had long greasy black hair, and eyes that made him look like a maniac.
"And who are those people? They look veeeeeery suspicious, oh yes, yes indeed. They are Begnion spies, no doubt."
"How dare you!", Sothe exclaimed.
"Master Izuka, those are the members of the Dawn Brigade", Tauroneo explained.
"Oh. Oh? Then you must be – of course! The Silver-Haired Maiden! Is this luck? Or coincidence? Or just my skill as a revolutionary organizer?"
He started pacing the ground while the others watched him, puzzled.
"With the Maiden at our side, there are endless possibilities... fanning and spreading the fires of rebellion... recruiting warriors... and then – I will ask – no, demand – that the Begnion soldiers surrender!" He rushed forward and grabbed Micaiah's hand. "Come, my dear Maiden! You must meet the prince."
"Let go of me!"
"Let her go, or I'll cut off your hand!", Sothe threatened, drawing his dagger.
Izuka backed away.
"Come! You mustn't keep the prince waiting", he repeated, before disappearing into the building.
"Did he hit his head or something?", Sothe asked darkly, sheathing his dagger.
Tauroneo sighed. "Master Izuka is always like that when he gets carried away. I apologise. But now, please come inside."
Jill left her wyvern in the entrance hall, and they continued deeper into the ruins.
They entered a larger room. A few soldiers were sitting or lying around, some of them wounded, others simply exhausted. Izuka stood at the far end of the room, talking to a young man. Tauroneo, Sothe and Micaiah went over to join them.
The prince had dark blue hair and brown eyes. Next to him stood a woman with dark green hair and dark brown eyes. Micaiah noticed a strangely shaped mark above her left eye.
"What's with you, peasants? Has the desert sun fried your brains? Kneel ye before these royal people! You are in the presence of Prince Pelleas and his noble mother, Queen Almedha!", Izuka snarled.
"You're worse than the Begnion senators", Sothe growled.
"Please, you don't have to stand on ceremony with me", the prince said hastily. "Until recently – that is, until Izuka found me – I had no idea I was a prince. This is all new to me – and somehow, it still doesn't feel real."
"Don't talk nonsense, my dear", Almedha said. "You are my son, my Pelleas, rightful heir to the throne of Daein. And you will never again be parted from me, no, never ever..."
Izuka cleared his throat. "Enough pleasantries for now. Micaiah, the Silver-Haired Maiden, I hereby declare you General of the Daein Liberation Army."
"What?", Micaiah exclaimed. "No, that's not possible! I have to refuse - "
"Silence! With you at our side, we cannot lose this war!"
"I get it", Sothe said. "You intend to use her as a figurehead."
"And what's wrong with that? Hm?"
"I won't allow it! Micaiah can't take this position!"
"I agree. Sorry, Your Highness, you will have to find someone else." Micaiah turned to leave.
"Please, wait!", Pelleas begged. "You have seen the soldiers I have – I really need your help. Please... with you at my side, I am certain we will be able to liberate Daein. We need everyone we can get... Please."
Slowly, Micaiah turned to face him. "Very well. I will accept this position."
Pelleas' face brightened. "Thank you!"
"Micaiah, we need to talk!", Sothe hissed.
Before anyone could stop him, he seized her arm and pulled her out of the room.
"Micaiah, have you lost your mind?", he shouted as soon as they were out of ear-shot. "You have always lived in hiding – taking a position that will deliberately make you stand out just isn't like you!"
Micaiah closed her eyes. "During the time we were separated, I changed, too. When I returned to Nevassa, everything was in ruins. But the people were determined to rebuild the town. No-one knew who I was, but they helped me because I was from Daein. I had lived in seclusion for so long... I was surprised to see that people were so strong – and kind. I wanted to help them, so – if my powers are needed to liberate Daein, I will stand my ground and fight."
"I understand. I know I can't talk you out of something once you've made up your mind, but remember one thing: if things get too hot, I'll just grab you and make a run for it. Got that?"
"Yes. Thank you, Sothe."