The Knight's Tale Part 2 Summary:

After two years, Arcita awakens to a vision of Hermes telling him to go to Athens. Once he arrives in the city, he takes up the work of a common peasant in fetching the water and grains for Theseus' household. He goes by the name of Philostrate and is disguised by his slender figure and pale complexion, coming from two years of malnutrition due to his anguish. Arcita spends three years as a serf, working his way up the lowly ranks to become Theseus' own servant. Meanwhile, Palamon is wasting away in his prison. Seven years after Arcita's release, Palamon escapes with the help of a friend. He hides in the woods the next day on his way back to Thebes. On that same day, Arcita ventures to the same forest in search of flowers. Arcita, in his joy, sings of his life and his wish to be with Emily. Palamon hears and confronts Arcita. They both agree to a duel the next day in which one can die honorably and the other can pursue Emily. The next day, Theseus is hunting in the woods and comes upon the two men fighting. Palamon asks Theseus to kill them because of their sorrowful positions. However, the Queen and Emily are with Theseus, and they beg him to show the two men mercy. Theseus grants the women's wish and spares Palamon and Arcita. He says that they are now free, with no ransom and conditions; and that in one year they must return with 100 men to fight one another in a battle for Emily. He said there must be one victor, and the other taken captive or slain. Palamon and Arcita are overjoyed with this decision and gladly leave to find their armies.