Duke Numida had met with Vize-Minister Lekain. Lekain had offered to help him, but it didn't look too good. Sanaki had already heard about the rebellion in Daein, and demanded answers. Numida had been forced to answer her summons, and had travelled to Sienne.

"It appears that some of the soldiers abused their power and mistreated the people of Daein", Lekain explained. "This happened entirely out of the knowledge of the governmental senator, Numida."

"This is partly my fault, and I am ready to atone for it", Numida added, trying his best to sound sincere and remorseful.

"I see", Sanaki replied. "We hereby form an inspection team to investigate whether your claims are true. And we will request a meeting with late King Ashnard's orphan, and the leaders of his army."

"Please allow your humble servant Lekain to take on this task. I promise to erase those men who tainted the good name of the Imperial Army where they stand! They shall not live to see another day."

"That is unacceptable. I will decide the soldier's fate only after hearing their side. Furthermore, I hereby appoint Prime Minister Sephiran head of the inspection team."

"What?!"

"I consider the Duke of Persis to be more suited for the task than you, Vize-Minister. That is all. Sephiran, you will leave for Daein as soon as possible."

"I hear and obey, my Empress", Sephiran replied, inclining his head.

Sanaki nodded, and the two of them strode out of the throne room.

"Well, Numida, it looks like you will have to sacrifice every last man in the Occupation Army."

"Grrr... damn that brat and her cunning schemes! Empress Sanaki, you are going to regret this!"

"Please, keep your voice down. The walls have ears, you know. Some of them are pointy."

"Hey, listen, BIG news afoot!", Tormod shouted.

"What is it?", Micaiah asked.

"Empress Sanaki is dispatching an inspection team to Daein to uncover the senators' evil deeds. And guess what? The Prime Minister is going to lead it!"

"Sephiran?", Sothe asked. "So, the Apostle is sending one of Begnion's greatest men to handle this."

"Yup! We'll be home-free the moment they arrive. So, come on, spread the news! It's time to celebrate!"

"Does that mean the war's over?", Micaiah asked tentatively, hardly able to believe it.

"Yeah, so, go on!"

"Won't you come with us?", Sothe asked.

"Naw. You two should do it."

"You don't want to come because Izuka will be with the prince", Micaiah said quietly.

"Well, yeah. It'd just ruin everything. And now go!"

Feeling his temper rise, Jarod listened to the cleric who had come as a messenger from Sienne.

"Duke Numida claims to have known nothing of the abuses you committed. You and your men are ordered to remain in Daein Keep and await the arrival of the inspection team. The Apostle, in her mercy, is willing to listen to what you have to say before passing judgement. Do not waste this small advantage you have."

The priest turned and left the room.

"Dammit... that Numida... I never thought he had it within him."

"This is bad", Alder said. "Can't we at least drag Numida down with us?"

"Not a chance. He is the proof that most of the senators are corrupt, so, they'll no doubt be working together to silence us. No, I have something else in mind... kill the one who destroyed us."

"Ah... I like that. Our final mission."

"You will create a diversion while I hunt for that silver-maned girl's head."

Upon hearing the good news, Pelleas had decided to hold a banquet to celebrate their coming emancipation. Feeling suddenly very tired, Micaiah left the feast, and went for a walk outside camp. As she was sitting under a tree, Jill came over.

"Lady Micaiah! You shouldn't be here all by yourself."

"It's all right, Jill. The war's over. Jarod would be a fool to oppose the Apostle."

"That's not the only thing I'm worried about. You've seemed somewhat strange lately. Are you not feeling well?"

"It is nothing... I just have this strange feeling ever since I heard the Galdr of Rebirth... And I am tired."

"You should rest in your tent, then."

"No... I don't want Sothe and the others see how exhausted I am. I'll stay here."

"Then, at least let me bring you some healing herbs."

"All right... thank you, Jill. But wait, there is something I wanted to ask you: what about the man you live with, the one you run the wyvern delivery service with?"

"Oh, you mean Haar. He left to deliver a package to Crimea. It's the war that has kept him away, most likely. If he didn't just fall asleep."

"Does he really sleep that much?"

"Oh, yes. He often sleeps during flights. And a war would certainly disrupt his sleeping schedule. Well, I'll go fetch the medicine. Stay put."

Smiling, Micaiah watched Jill walk away. A twittering sound made her look up.

"Yune! What are you doing here?"

The tiny bird settled down on her shoulder.

"You really are a strange bird, Yune. You can fly around even in the dark... Ah, Yune, tell me, what is wrong with me? I feel so tired lately... I want to sleep..."

"If sleep is what you desire, I can grant it to you, Priestess of Dawn!"

"Ah? Who – who is it?"

A torch flared to life. A man wearing crimson armour carrying a spear stepped forward.

"Good evening, Maiden", he said mockingly. "What are you doing out of camp all by yourself?"

Micaiah jumped to her feet.

"Jarod!"

"You did it, wench. I'm done for. But if I have to go down – so will you. It was foolish of you to leave your friends."

"What do you wish to accomplish? Even if you kill me, Daein will be restored, as long as we have Prince Pelleas!"

"The prince! Hah! Don't make me laugh. He is just a figurehead, a piece of mud no amount of polish could shine. No, Priestess, the real gem whose radiance attracts people like a flame the moths is you. And so, I will steal you, and extinguish Daein's light of hope!"

He advanced as more torches flared to life. Begnion soldiers had cut off her way back to camp. Micaiah backed away, knowing fully well that she had not a chance to win this fight. She was doomed.

Yune cried. Jarod stopped dead as an enormous red magic diagram appeared on the ground between them. There was a flash of red light, and a knight appeared out of nowhere.

Micaiah stared at him. All she could see was that he was enormously tall, and wore a helmet and a red cape. His armour was black.

"Who the hell are you?", Jarod demanded.

The knight ignored him, and turned to face Micaiah. His face was completely hidden behind his visor.

"Maiden. Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. But – who are you?"

"I am the Black Knight."

"Sir Knight! What an honour it is to meet you."

"You – what?!", Jarod shouted in disbelief. "You can't be the Black Knight. Just in case you haven't heard, he died in the war."

"You are a fool if you want to oppose me", the knight replied, turning back to face Jarod.

"Hah! I'll get that girl's head, even if you try to stand in my way! But before that – why don't you have a go at my restless minions? Douse the torches!"

Seconds later, they were enveloped in darkness.

"Maiden. I will be your shield. Do not leave my side."

"Thank you, Sir Knight. But – I could make a light."

Micaiah created a small globe of light and made it float over their heads, so they could see their surroundings.

The Begnion soldiers attacked. Micaiah fired at them, but soon realised that was not necessary. The Black Knight easily defeated them, while they were unable to even hit him.

Micaiah wasn't afraid. She knew she could trust him to keep her safe, so she scanned the area looking for Jarod.

"Over there!", she said, pointing.

The Black Knight nodded stiffly and changed his course. As they advanced on Jarod, Micaiah realised they were the only living beings left.

"Hey, Black Spectre! What made you show up right now?"

"That is none of your business. Prepare yourself!"

The knight attacked. Jarod managed to dodge a few of his attacks, but not for long.

His speed is amazing! General Tauroneo could never move like that... wait a minute. Could he be - ?

A powerful blow sent Jarod flying into a tree.

"Heh – you're not too bad."

"Make your peace. This blow will be your end."

"How very kind of you."

The knight's sword flashed in the moonlight and the next moment, another knight threw himself in front of Jarod.

"Alder! What the hell are you doing here?!"

"I – wanted to fight with you – rather than create – a diversion with the others..."

"You idiot..."

"You were – a terror to work under, but I – I always sensed a kindred spirit in you..."

Alder collapsed. Jarod glared at the Black Knight.

"What's wrong?!"

"My sword was not made to slay those who will not raise their weapons."

"Really? In that case - "

"Wait!", Micaiah shouted. "A man has just died for you! Don't waste his sacrifice!"

"Hmpf. This isn't the last you've heard of me."

Jarod picked up Alder's body and disappeared into the forest.

"Maiden... do you think this was a wise thing to do?"

"He belongs to the Apostle now. What right do I have to judge him?"

"Micaiah!"

Sothe came running toward her.

"Sothe! I'm so glad to see - "

"Wha – Micaiah, run!"

He seized her hand and tried to pull her away. She sensed a faint amusement coming from the Black Knight.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Do you know who that is?"

"Of course I do. Everyone knows who he is. The Black Knight, greatest of the Four Riders - "

"Exactly! The scum General Ike defeated at Nados Castle two years ago... how could he be here – alive?!"

"Sothe. You are correct, Ike defeated me two years ago. But I did not die. Look."

He pointed at two long cuts in his armour and one in his helmet.

"What do you want?"

"I want to help you to rebuild this country."

"Thanks, but we're just fine without your so-called help."

"Sothe, wait. During the Mad King's War, you and the Black Knight were enemies, but now, you're on the same side. Besides, he just saved my life."

"What?"

"It was Jarod. He was here just moments ago. If the Black Knight hadn't stepped in, I would be dead by now."

Sothe quickly scanned the area. "But what happened? I don't see his body – does that mean – he's still alive?!"

"Yes. Another man protected him – I believe Jarod's burying him right now. Ah! No!"

"Micaiah? What's wrong?"

"I don't know – I don't know! Sothe, I can't - "

"What's wrong?!"

"By letting Jarod go, I might have caused us all great harm... But I can't see it!"

"No need to worry, my Maiden. I will protect you", the Black Knight reassured her.

"If you want to do that, you'll have to queue", Sothe snapped. "Because I'm the one who's protecting Micaiah."

Glaring at the knight, he put an arm around Micaiah's waist, and led her back to the camp. Feeling totally exhausted, she leaned against his shoulder.

The next morning, shortly after breakfast, a man came hurrying into the camp.

"Help! Help us! Jarod is attacking Nevassa! Most of the town has already been destroyed!"

Micaiah and the others rushed to a hilltop from where they could see Nevassa. It was a terrible sight.

"But didn't the Empress order them to stop fighting?", Pelleas asked, horrified.

"Yes, Your Highness. But Jarod killed one of the messengers – the others fled. Jarod reclaimed control of Daein Keep."

"By doing that, he has signed his own death sentence", Muarim growled. "Empress Sanaki does not forgive traitors."

"He is endangering and murdering innocent people!", Sothe exclaimed.

"This is terrible!", Micaiah gasped. "We have to do something!"

"And what would that be, o Maiden?", Izuka asked in a dangerous voice. "If we do anything rash, we might anger the Empire again! I say we just wait for the inspection team to arrive, and let them deal with the problem."

"People are dying!But that doesn't matter to you, does it? Fine. If you won't let us go, we'll just go without permission, like last time!"

"Oh no, you won't! Have you any idea what problems you caused us with that little excursion? People were so delighted, they celebrated you all night, heaping praise on you like sugar on berries, without sparing a single thought for their prince. Now, what if some of them were to say, 'We don't need a King Pelleas, we could have a Priestess of Dawn instead!'?"

"Oh, I - "

"But wait, maybe this is exactly what she had in mind! Pretending to help the Prince while wanting the crown for herself!"

"What?!"

"Still your tongue, worm, or my knife will do it for you!", Sothe spat at Izuka.

The scholar backed away.

"Izuka!", Pelleas snapped. "Micaiah does not deserve such censure! She fights with the soldiers, heals the injured people, and she has never lost a battle before, so, naturally, the people love her. I, on the other hand – I cannot even fight. I am inadequate."

He turned on his heel and strode away.

"My Prince, you can't - "

The Black Knight gave Izuka a dirty look, and went after the prince. Micaiah followed along with the others, leaving Izuka behind.

Most of the soldiers had gathered to discuss this sudden change of events. Pelleas stopped to gaze down on them, then, he cleared his throat.

"Hear me, brave soldiers of Daein! I am Pelleas, rightful heir to the throne of Daein - "

"Yes, yes, we know who you are, my lord!", one of the soldiers answered.

"We ought to by now!"

Micaiah could sense a wave of desperation coming from Pelleas. The Black Knight stepped forward.

"Silence! The prince wishes to make a speech!", he thundered.

The soldiers didn't need telling twice.

"Just as it seemed that our trials were over, we are faced with a terrible choice. If we attack Nevassa now, we might enrage the Empire again, and lose all hopes of emancipation. But are we supposed to sit here and watch as our capital is being destroyed, our brothers and sisters dying? No man could ignore such a tragedy, and certainly no prince! I will not run from my duty as the Prince of Daein! I will protect my people! I hereby order the Liberation Army to move out and liberate Nevassa!"

At once, the soldiers started cheering. Pelleas waved, then, he turned to Micaiah.

"I can count on you?"

"Of course. I will do all in my power to fulfil this mission."

Jarod and his soldiers had retreated to the inner parts of Daein Keep at the first sign of the army's arrival. Just as Micaiah was instructing her troops, a voice came from above.

"Listen to me, Priestess! For us, surrender is not an option! We will fight to the last!"

"That's just fine with me, Jarod!", she shouted back. "But this time, I won't let you escape."

Micaiah tightened her belt and grabbed her spell book.

"Do you really intend to fight this battle, Maiden?", the Black Knight asked. "You could let the soldiers do the fighting."

"As this army's general, it is my duty to fight with them. Besides, it is my fault that Jarod escaped. And I won't run from that!"

"You – are much like her."

"Huh? Like who?"

"Never mind that. But stay close to me."

"Hey, I think I told you before that I'm the one protecting her!", Sothe shouted furiously.

"If you truly want to do that, you will have to become stronger. As strong as me, and stronger still..."

"What?"

"I will not explain myself."

"Fine. What do you want? Why did you show up now?"

"I want to help to liberate Daein."

"Lady Micaiah, preparations are complete!", Jill said.

"Good. Let's finish this!"

The Begnion soldiers fought ferociously, just as Jarod had promised. They knew they were doomed, so, they tried to take as many enemies down with them as possible. Micaiah had her strongest warriors clear a path, so they could keep their losses to a minimum.

Jarod greeted them with a sneer.

"Well, well, the Black Phantom! What made you sloooooowly dig yourself out of your cold and damp grave? Or do I have to crack open your helmet and ask you naked, ugly face directly?"

"Worm, know your place. You will not escape me another time. The Maiden as good as gave me permission to kill you. And this time, there won't be anyone here to take the blow for you."

Jarod appeared not to care. He attacked the Black Knight, but once again, he moved far too slow to land a blow.

No-one needed the gift of foresight to be able to predict the outcome of this fight. It was more than obvious that Jarod was no match for the Black Knight. And eventually, the knight grew tired of playing with his opponent. A powerful blow slammed Jarod into the wall, a deep cut in his armour. The Black Knight didn't even seem to be out of breath.

"So... it's finally over", Micaiah said, relieved. "Someone send a messenger to Prince Pelleas, everyone else, secure the town!"

Pelleas soon arrived, and gathered the commanding officers in the throne room.

"Micaiah, thanks to your efforts, Daein has finally been liberated. But the real task lies just ahead of us – we have to rebuild our country. Please help me to do this", Pelleas said.

"Very well. But keep in mind that I will resign the moment I feel that Daein does no longer need me."

"Agreed. I hereby dub thee, Micaiah, Supreme General of the Daein Royal Army."

"I hope I will be worthy of this position."

"Don't worry, you will be. Someone get me a good tailor! General Micaiah needs a new outfit."

Micaiah smiled.

In the evening, they returned to the camp to gather their belongings and move them into the city. Micaiah and Sothe were just rolling up some ropes when Tormod appeared.

"Well, we'll be off then. See ya around!"

"Won't you stay for the feast?", Micaiah asked.

"Naw. If we stay any longer, the soldiers will start giving us dirty looks."

"Oh, sorry, I forgot... Most people here still hate the laguz."

"Yeah. Besides, Rafiel wants to see his family."

"Tormod, greet the others from me", Sothe said, shaking his friend's hand.

"I will. I'll tell Ike how you've grown!"

"Rafiel. I wish you a safe journey, and that you'll be reunited with your family soon", Micaiah said.

The heron prince smiled at her. "May the Goddess' blessings be with you. I am glad we met, and I hope we will meet again."

They embraced each other.

"Micaiah, could I have a minute?"

"Sure."

She followed Muarim away from the others.

"Thank you for keeping my secret."

"No thanks needed. It's rude of me to ask, but do you know anything about the circumstances of your birth?"

"No, nothing. I was raised by an old woman in the slums of Nevassa, she, too, never knew my parents. Look..."

Micaiah pulled off her glove.

"Shortly before she died, she told me what the Brand meant, and to be always on my guard."

"A wise advice."

"I have been living on my own until I met Sothe. But I know nothing about my family."

"You are in a situation similar to Tormod's. He doesn't know his parents, either."

"Did you find him?"

"Yes. He was a small child back then... At that time, I hated the beorc for treating us like vermin, but I couldn't hate Tormod. I took him in, and raised him as if he were my own flesh and blood..."

"Yes, he is very attached to you."

"Well then, I wish you the very best of luck. And I hope we will meet again."

"So do I. Farewell."

Sothe and Micaiah watched their friends leave. On a hilltop they stopped and waved back, then, they were gone.

Suddenly, Micaiah heard a noise.

"What was that?"

Sothe drew his dagger, and they looked around, alarmed.

Volug came dashing towards them, skidded to a halt in front of Micaiah and howled.

"Volug! Did Queen Nailah send you back?"

The wolf nodded.

"Great", Sothe said darkly. "Now we have a 'dog'... As if that stupid bird wasn't enough already..."

Yune shrieked and attacked Sothe.

"Ow! Ow! I take it back..."

Three days later, Pelleas was crowned 14th King of Daein. People all over Nevassa celebrated for days on end. The Begnion Occupation Forces had hoarded loads of money and goods, and Pelleas now wanted to use that to restore his country to its former glory.

"Sire, a delegation from Crimea has just arrived! It is led by Bastian, Count of Fayre."

Moments later, the Crimeans entered. Bastian was a sage with curly blond hair and beard, his companions appeared to be elite soldiers.

"Greetings, King Pelleas. Queen Elincia sends her congratulations on the liberation of your country, and your coronation. Furthermore, the Queen wishes to assure you that she has no intention whatsoever to blame you for your father's deeds. Crimea is not about to start another war."

"I see. That's a relief. I was a bit worried about how she would react to me becoming king..."

"Well, there is no need to worry. The Queen dislikes war."

"That's good. We wouldn't be able to go to war now, anyway. Count Bastian, this is my mother, Queen Almedha. I believe you already know General Tauroneo, this here is Izuka, my adviser..."

Micaiah sensed a strange wave of emotions coming from the count when he heard that. It was more than just surprise.

"...and this is General Micaiah."

"Ah, the young heroine who led the Daein army to victory." Bastian gave her a charming smile. "What a beautiful maiden! The sun and stars pale in comparison!"

"Just ignore him, he's always like that", Sothe muttered.

"You are much like our Sir Ike. A charismatic leader who gathered soldiers around herself to liberate a country for the rightful heir... This is very much like the liberation of Crimea."

"What a coincidence", Pelleas replied, smiling.

Bastian obviously doesn't believe this is a coincidence. But what else could it be?

A/N:

I never quite understood why Micaiah, a light mage, can't conjure up light to see in the dark. The "fog of war" mechanic is fun and all, but it kinda doesn't make sense in this case.

I was pretty excited to play as the BK, even though I don't particularly like him as a character. He just mowed down enemies like it was nothing, and often used Eclipse to add insult to death.

Another mechanic that I really liked in RD was the terrain height advantages. They even made defending castles enjoyable.

I don't think I ever brought the BK along for the first endgame on my first playthrough, as he was already so overpowered and other characters needed the XP more, however, he is necessary in this mission to unlock one of the special endings. So, I just had him climb up the ledges by his lonesome while having the rest of my army take the stairs, like normal people.

I love all of Micaiah's outfits, by the way. The first one, in particular, is very practical, which I approve of. Now Sothe, on the other hand, wears a pretty ridiculous outfit. It doesn't keep him warm, and offers basically no protection against enemy attacks. Even a loose shirt can wind up saving your life if you're lucky, since it'll make it harder for the enemy to aim for your vitals. But no, Sothe just runs around in a tight-fitted crop top. Smart.