CHAPTER 14

When the night fell, Prince Pelleas, on orders of Izuka, was just about to have a word with the army. As Izuka gave Pelleas the orders to speak, Pelleas made the announcement that Daein would be free once again once the apostle's inspection crew arrived on scene. Pelleas then allowed everyone to eat their food at their heart's content for the anticipation of the emancipation and freedom of Daein and its people.

When Micaiah was in the woods alone, not at the banquet, she was talking with her bird, Yune. However, Jarod and his soldiers had found her alone with no one there. Micaiah was shocked to find them.

"What on earth?" asked Micaiah.

"I'm doomed thanks to you, Priestess of Dawn." said Jarod.

"Listen, the people will still fight, even if I die." said Micaiah.

"Well, you attract Daein's dastardly people like moths, Micaiah." Jarod proclaimed. "Still, I must extinguish you. Know despair!"

A knight clad in black armor then used warp powder to teleport to the woods to protect Micaiah. It was the Black Knight, one of Daein's most feared generals. It seemed like he survived the battle three years ago he had faced with his teacher's son.

"Have no fear, Priestess of Dawn." the Black Knight said. I shall use the mighty Alondite to protect you from the benevolent Begnion bastards."

"Who are you?" asked Micaiah.

"Once I was one of Daein's mighty Four Riders, serving the mighty old army." said the Black Knight. "If you recall the name of 'Black Knight' you will retreat this place at once."

"Oh, maybe you have not heard…he died in the war of the Mad King Ashnard." said Jarod. "But…I'll put your claim to test."

"Have at me, then!" yelled the Black Knight. "I'll have a go-round at your minions first."

"Douse the torches, men!" yelled Jarod.

The area grew darker and darker and foggier and foggier.

"Have no fear, Maiden of Dawn…remain by my side; I shall be your shield." said the Black Knight.

The Black Knight and Micaiah worked together to defeat the Begnion soldiers. They wanted to deal with the minions of Jarod first before facing Jarod himself.

When it was time to face Jarod, Micaiah bolded her words to him, saying that he has caused suffering to the people of Daein, and that he must not atone his own deeds.

"Do I care about the wretched rinse of worms I trample around these parks?!" asked Jarod.

"I care." said Micaiah. "They are our people. And you are hurting them." she proclaimed.

That was when she used her Thani spell to blind Jarod. The Black Knight later came forth to attempt a final blow on Jarod. However, a different general ended up dead, not Jarod. It was, in fact, the Marshall General serving for Jarod.

"How…mistakeful." said the Black Knight.

"He was a good soldier…" said Jarod. "So…why don't you kill me." said Jarod to the Black Knight.

"My sword is not made for killing worthless people who won't raise their weapons." said the Black Knight.

"Are you playing with me or something?!" asked Jarod. "Are you seriously trying to pull my leg?! Kidding around, that is?!"

"Stop, both of you!" said Micaiah.

"This is not the end!" said Jarod as he ran away.

"No. No it's not." said Micaiah. "But you belong to the apostle now." She turned to the Black Knight, thanking him for saving her.

"Micaiah!" yelled Sothe's voice.

As Sothe showed up, he told Micaiah to run. Micaiah did just that, but in distress.

"You!" yelled Sothe to the Black Knight. "You're the scum that Ike defeated in the Mad King's War three years ago! How can you be here….alive!"

The Black Knight, according to the words he had said to Sothe, managed to escape Nados Castle all those years ago.

"Sothe, Jarod was just here, and if it were not for the Black Knight, Jarod would have skewered me with his lance." said Micaiah.

"But his corpse isn't here though!" yelled Sothe. "Is he still alive?"

"Yes. There was another soldier, but he got sacrificed protecting him." said Micaiah.

Sothe growled.

"Very well." said the Black Knight. "I shall aid you."

"Micaiah and I don't need your help!" yelled Sothe.

"Hmph." grunted the Black Knight.

The Black Knight managed to get away. However, he swore to serve Micaiah.