At last, and with companions in tow, I approached the rally point for the rebellion. We had several hundred people in the camp, as I could see from a hill above it. I could also see the kingdom’s army stationed a few hundred yards away, far enough to prevent unnessecary fighting but close enough to be ready if we made a move toward the capital, which was well on the far side of the kingdom’s soldiers.

“Well, this is a large sack of manure,” I muttered to my new friends. “Why are they fighting for him? After the reports we’ve had…”

“Who knows? Did you lot hear, orphanages are filling up and new ones being built. Sounds like he’s already killed enough people to increase the number of orphans in our kingdom.” A scout nearby growled and spat on the ground, then looked at us again. “We’re getting things settled, when to attack and who will do what. Go see our leader, that red tent in the center of camp.”

“Thanks,” I nodded and went down the hill, frowning. That many more orphans? What was this monster up to? Well, no matter, I would certainly help put a stop to it.

I heard more murmurs of his wrong-doing as I went. Government assistance for those on hard times had been cut or completely denied to some. More talk of slavery and increased taxes… Was this man trying to run this kingdom into the ground?

“How hasn’t his army turned on him yet?” Clara asked us, frowning. “For as monsterous as he sounds, you’d expect the soldiers in the nearby camp wouldn’t be so relaxed and well-behaved. Why hasn’t this camp been wiped out yet?”

“Perhaps he underestimates us. And perhaps he’s lied and manipulated the soldiers…” I sighed, running my hand through my hair and thinking. “I don’t like it. Someone needs to get in, kill’em, and get out. I don’t think we can stand against the whole army.”

“That’s certainly what we’re thinking.” Someone had come up behind us, making all of us jump. “I’m in charge around here- Lucas Samold. Pleasure. I see you’re new- Welcome to the resistance.”

“Thanks for the heart attack,” Clayton muttered.

“We need a newer person for a chance opportunity- The usurper has agreed to meet with one representative of our group. I want someone new, so he may believe he can sway them. I want you to find out what lies and manipulation he’s using, and report back. Who’s in?”

“Gladly,” I answered. “If I get a chance to kill him?”

“If you see a perfect opportunity, take it. I doubt he’ll give you the chance, but certainly try if it presents itself.”

With that, I was stocked up and sent off for the capital. Now, I just had to keep my head… If I did, I might get a chance to save the kingdom.

---

Marcus sighed, looking over reports. “It breaks my heart so many children were simply left on the street when they were orphaned… So many innocent lives, slipping through the cracks. We must do better, find them foster or adoptive families and ensure they get a good education, good food, and safety. They’re the future of our kingdom, they deserve the best we can offer them.”

“Your are right, my lord. And the tax money redirected from those abusing the assistance system will help ensure as much,” an advisor agreed. “It will only be a stop-gap, I think, until someone thinks they’ve found a loophole with the new assistance rules.”

“There will always be a loophole,” Marcus sighed. “We can’t see what it is now, but someone will find and exploit it. We can’t tighten the rules too much, or those truly in need will slip through the cracks. But I want to get as many of those off the system that are truly able to work and just don’t wish to look for it… I want them to find work, and I want to find a way to provide them opportunities.”

“You are truly honorable and noble, my king,” The advisor smiled, bowing to him.

“I hope the resistance representative feels that way… Otherwise, this may yet all fall to pieces.”