“That’s everything,” I reported, having repeated everything the usurper had said, and handing over the files. “He seemed genuine- So either he is, or he’s a good actor.”

“So, you trust his word?” One of the leaders of the rebellion demanded.

“I never said that. He believes what he says, or he’s good at faking it. That’s all. I’ve seen enough people that were harmed by these reforms to cause doubt in his words.” As many people as could be close enough to hear were crammed around me in the center of the camp, listening in and forming their own opinions. I could see a few faces that were confused, many that were hard set and clearly still against the king. Yet, there were a couple, here and there, that looked thoughtful and considering. “I think we should move carefully- If he’s swayed enough people to believe him, we’ll have a hard fight against our own people. We should try to minimize that bloodshed or we’ll just start a civil war. That would be the ruin of the kingdom.” The leaders looked at each other, clearly not having considered that fact.

“You’re right. We’ll talk, come up with a plan,” Another leader said finally. He looked around, then sighed. “Can you spread the word? Anyone that believes him and wants out… They may go, with our blessing. But if they stand against us, should a battle come… We won’t hold back.” I nodded and went to spread the word as the crowd broke up.

It took me a couple hours to get through the camp, making sure everyone knew what we knew. At least we had that right- Everyone had a right to make their own decisions in this area. And, as I worked, I started to come to my own decision regarding how to proceed, and how I felt about the meeting. Heading to where my pack had been put, I began to prepare for my next move.

---

“My lord… We’ve gotten a large influx of young men and women volunteering for the army,” An advisor said, coming to find Marcus. “They seem to sense trouble on the horizon.”

“I see…” Marcus sighed. “I will prepare to speak with them, I suppose. We still want to try to avoid a battle, but… We will at least have enough people if it comes to that. What news of the rebel camp and forces?”

“We’ve reports of a small percentage of people leaving the camp, heading for their homes. The representative appears to have indeed shared your words and the files. It hasn’t convinced them all to let this progress, but it has gotten a few to give you a chance.”

“I’m sure there are more still considering things. Perhaps they, too, will head home. Perhaps not. We need to be ready for either, without putting undue hardship on our people or taking too many forces from anything important. Especially if incoming reports are correct about our wonderful northern neighbors building a force at our border.” Marcus sighed again and stood to look out a window in his study, hands clasped behind his back as he thought. “Have I made a mistake? Moved too quickly to try to right the wrongs of this kingdom? It was in a dangerous state, near collapse or rebellion… Have I only swung the threat of rebellion to the other side?”

“What does that matter now?” The advisor asked. “What’s done is done. You cannot go back and change your decisions now. Either this will blow over safely, or you will pay for your decisions, in your blood or that of the people. But how you proceed from here will continue to write your character in history for all to see. If you feel you may have rushed too quickly before, try to prevent doing so now. Think your next decisions through carefully, and perhaps we can shift the course of things to prevent a civil war, or total distruction of our kingdom.”

“Or perhaps not.” Marcus murmured. “Perhaps it is already too late… But we won’t know that until the next move is made.” He turned to look to his advisor. “Can you gather the others of my council? I think it’s past time I had everyone’s input before I make another foolish decision. I should have started this way from the start, but better late than never.” The advisor smiled slightly.

“Of course, my lord. I will have them gathered and in the largest meeting room within an hour.” He turned and left, letting Marcus prepare for a potentially kingdom saving meeting.