CHAPTER 36

The general's forces retreated, as Ike had seen.

Janaff and Ulki later returned to the battlefield, with Janaff frustrated that the beorc left no one for him to fight. Ike had apologized to Janaff, but he also noticed that he and Ulki were back way sooner than expected. Ike wondered why. Tibarn also made an appearance, saying that he and the rest of the hawk tribe went to Castle Gaddos, the enemy base. According to Tibarn, the Begnion forces were silently waiting inside the castle. He also mentioned that some of the army's soldiers disobeyed orders. However, he ended up crossing paths with General Sigrun of the Begnion Holy Guard. According to Tibarn, she was all by herself, hesitant to get into the enemy territory.

"Sounds odd." Ike mentioned.

"It very much was odd, indeed." Tibarn said. "But it had me thinking something. Since she is a friend–let alone a loyal soldier to the apostle–I figured we get information from her."

"What was she like when you saw her?" asked Ike.

"She would not budge." Tibarn answered. "I'd say she's a tough one. Saying in such a sad voice, she told me to escape." Tibarn said.

"Oh, that can't be a good sign." Ike said with suspicion. "I wonder what she meant by that." he wondered.

"I would like to speak with General Zelgius, please." said Sigrun.

Sigrun was later let through by Begnion security guards and the soldiers of Zelgius.

When she was in the presence of Zelgius, Zelgius saw that she did not look well. "Is something the matter, milady?" asked Zelgius. Sigrun responded, saying that she had carried an order from the senate.

"Oh, and what is it?" asked Zelgius.

"The cease-fire has been repealed." Sigrun answered. "You're ordered to destroy the Laguz Alliance and their allies at once."

Zelgius was shocked that the enemy lost their will to fight for their empire. He also stated that Apostle Sanaki and Lord Sephiran would never agree to such plans that terrible. He then learned that Sephiran, Duke of Persis, was stripped of his prime minister titles and then charged with high acts of treason.

"This is bastardous madness!" Zelgius yelled with power.

"Not to mention, the apostle was captured." said Sigrun.

"Goddamn it!" yelled Zelgius. "Bastardous criminals!" he yelled.

"I've yet to hear words, but my subordinates have been tasked with finding out where exactly the apostle is." said Sigrun. "Zelgius, heed my words. Our friends' lives are at risk. You need to follow the senate's orders."

Zelgius was thinking about something. "Damn the senators." Zelgius said with his heart held high for himself and not the senate.

Meanwhile, at the Daein Keep, Micaiah was summoned by Pelleas, fourteenth king of Daein. Remaining the goddess of victory, according to Pelleas, he was very pleased to see the Silver-Haired Maiden again, after not seeing her face around for a while. Pelleas wondered if she was busy in town.

"My room in the castle is too lavish for my taste, Your Majesty." said Micaiah. "I've been busy in town, though. The reconstruction is going well. And it makes me happy to help other people." said Micaiah.

"How precious." said Almedha after appearing before Micaiah. "Helping out with the town? Garnering the admiration of the peasants?" she asked. "I thought you were well past that, Micaiah." she thought.

"Please stop; Micaiah is my friend." Pelleas said to Almedha. "Izuka and the Black Knight left Daein grounds, and she's the only one left I have in me right now."

"What had happened to them?" asked Almedha.

"They disappeared mysteriously on the day of my coronation." answered Pelleas. "I wonder if they shall ever return to Daein." He wondered.

"My guess is that they were kidnapped." Almedha said. "I mean, they were mongrels overthrowing the country." she described. "But Mother will protect you…Pelleas. I won't let anyone harm you." she said with a smile across her face. "Remember, seek me for kind words. The royal blood of Daein flows through you. Don't be afraid of your heritage. Just focus on ruling your people as their sovereign…and as their king." Albedha lectured to her son.

"Yes, Mother." said Pelleas.