I spent a week in the area, learning how people lived and how the changes to the laws were affecting them. People were happy to talk to me about it, and I had several dinners with various families in the area.

There were jobs to be done while we talked, and I certainly helped where I could. I even learned a few new skills while I educated myself.

For once in my life, I recognized how privileged I had been. Mom and Dad never once struggled to support us, and our farm was plenty prosperous. How many other rebels were like me? How many thought they were lower class or poor, just to have a similar background to me?

Well, one way to find out was to return to the rebels camp and attempt to enlighten them. I certainly didn’t think I could talk down an entire rebellion this way, but if I could convince a few people they were wrong, it would be a victory.

So back to the camp I went. I was welcomed back easily, as every hand helps, but it didn’t stay that way. I set myself up in the center of camp to announce my findings… and promptly found myself booed out and running for my own safety. I did see a few looks of consideration, but not many.

Oh well. I tried. The next question was what I would do now. Return home and continue my comfortable lifestyle? Or join the king’s army and defend the work he had started?

I suppose, by this point, it wasn’t really a question for me. A letter to my parents later, it was time to talk to an army recruiter.

Army training wasn’t particularly eventful. The rebellion went on for quite a while, and I proved myself capable as I worked. Before I knew it, I was promoted through the ranks until the king himself asked me to join his personal guard. It wasn’t exactly an offer I expected, being a previous rebel myself, but I took it willingly.

Now, I help coordinate movements by the king to try to bypass rebel hotspots. Tomorrow, we’re heading to a talk the king is to give. Word came in yesterday that a rebel party planned to ambush us on our previous route and time frame, so things were moved up by a week. Something still feels off about this.

I guess only time will tell if this is just paranoia talking, but I intend to remind the others to remain on alert at all times. The rebels could easily predict this move. Protecting the king has to be our top focus at all times.

If all goes well, maybe we can wind this rebellion down in another couple of months.

Marcus fought the two guards who had moved him from the fight, trying to return to where he and his men had been ambushed. “I have to help them! I can fight too, you know!”

“We all know you’re more important to the kingdom than we are,” The older guard sighed. “We must wait until things calm. If you die, all of this was for naught.”

“Besides, Eli took charge of it. The boys a natural leader. Let him do his thing,” The other guard smiled. The king sighed and stopped trying to get away from them, waiting.

When the fighting calmed down, the older guard went to investigate before returning. “We’ve won- three dead on our side, the rest are in various states of wounded but look likely to recover.”

“Good- let’s go get them out of harm’s way, and decide our next move,” Marcus ordered, heading back to his men. The two guards followed, on alert for more attacks.

“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.

“Thank you for making the trip to come and meet with me. I understand your people are unhappy with changes I’ve made, and I’d like to hear what about them has upset people. Every policy or change I enact will, of course, have opponents. But I’d like to try to find an amicable resolution to all of this, rather than just blow your opinions off.” This Marcus guy was more relaxed than I’d expected. Perhaps killing him would be easier than I thought. But, why did he want to talk about why we were unhappy? Wasn’t it obvious?

“You’ve increased taxes. That’s going to make anyone unhappy, for starters.”

“Ah- I knew that might be part of it. You see, I only raised taxes for those who had unfair tax advantages. The tax rate is now even across the board. My predessesor allowed the richest people to pay practically nothing, while the poor paid most of what they made. If your family was affected by the shift, I must apologize. It had to be done, however, to try to help those most in need. And the tax money is already going back into the kingdom- A boost to the assistance system, more money for schools, and money to build or improve orphanages.” This jerk actually looked happy with himself- Then again, if he was telling the truth, that was for the better… The school system certainly needed the help.

“Why boost the assistance system if you’re denying it to people?” I growled. I couldn’t fall for his ruse.

“Only to those who could find work and simply won’t. We can’t help everyone who needs it if those who could manage on their own simply don’t want to try. Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee no one can abuse the system, but we can try our best to cut down on those who would.”

“And the increase in the number of orphans? How’d you manage that, through your mass executions?” He looked perplexed.

“I haven’t executed anyone since I took the throne. Imprisoned, a couple of murderers. But I didn’t want to start my rule with killing. No, the orphans are those who slipped through the cracks and were living alone or in gangs on the streets. I’m saddened by how many did, but we’ll get them the education and safety they deserve. Preferably, we can also find them families.” He sighed, watching my face. “You don’t believe me- No, I can’t say I blame you. I should have considered this, the way that rumors and misinformation would spread. Not much one can do about it, though, and people will believe what they wish to.”

He meant it, didn’t he? Good grief, either this man was legitimate or he was the best actor I had ever seen. I felt myself relaxing a bit as I considered this.

“And the slavery accusations?”

“Slavery… Well, I suppose it could be seen that way, but no- It was voluntary. An offer to small-time convicted criminals, to rehabilitate them and give them a skill set and second chance at life. At the same time, things around the kingdom get fixed up. If you ever get a chance to speak to one of these men, you’ll see they’re quite happy with the deal. And no one dangerous gets offered the deal- Murderers and rapists will remain locked up.”

“I… Can’t tell if you mean it all, or if you’re the world’s best actor,” I admitted after a quiet moment of thought.

“That’s fair. I can’t expect you to change your mind immediately, nor to trust me so quickly. I expect I’d feel the same in your position.” He offered me a file chock full of papers. “Please… Feel free to share this information with your comrades. Nothing in here is confidential. I understand if not everyone, or even no one, stands down. I only ask that you all please just give me a chance to prove myself. I haven’t even been on the throne for six months yet.”

“Yeah… Sure. I’ll share this with them,” I nodded, taking the file, and my leave of him. This was going to take a lot of contemplation, but I had a feeling hardly anyone would buy it. I wasn’t even sure I bought it.

Marcus watched the young man go and sighed, rubbing his face. “He doesn’t believe me. People are so prepared to believe the worst of the government… I can’t blame them, given the previous king.”

“No… This is different. These, from what we can tell, are upper class citizens. Well off. They’re affected most by your reforms, at least in terms of taxes. They expect more breaks just because they’re well off, and they’re rebelling because they want things easy for them again. Some are upper-middle class people, like that young man. They’re being told spun versions of the reforms, and haven’t interacted enough with the poor folks to know how they feel about it all.” His advisor, stepping in from the next room, watched the new king. “There’s little we can do except be transparent, and hope the common folk step up to help educate the rich.”

“I hope it doesn’t come to that- Innocent people would be hurt or killed. I want everyone to live in peace.”

“There’s a hope we can all get behind.”

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.”

My travels remained fairly uneventful until I reached a small farming town three days from my last stop. People were gathered in the town square, arguing about some announcement that had been posted. I moved forward to read what it was and frowned.

“What? Executions?” I asked, outraged. “Mass executions? This is just… Just barbaric!”

“There’s a young man with sense!” An old woman agreed, nodding to me with approval. “You best be careful on your travels, boy. It looks like any who cross this new king have a short life ahead of them now.”

“I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. We can’t just jump to conclusions,” a middle aged man countered. “He hasn’t really been that bad thus far, minus taxes. And for all we know, those are for a good purpose, right?”

“Likely the ‘good purpose’ of fattening his purse, boy!” the old woman retorted, other elders either nodding their agreement, or shouting it.

“He’s been messing with prices in shops as well. I met a shopkeep three days back who was losing business because of it,” I added to the group. “And he’s fining shops that don’t fall in line. It’s taking people’s livelihoods, it is. I can’t stand it- So I’m on my way to stop him.” These drew some cheers and praise from those arguing against the usurper.

“There’s a good boy! You go help teach this wicked creature that he can’t just come in here and do as he pleases!” The old woman was grinning at me, clearly pleased. “Go on, then son! And here-” She passed me some money. “Take this to help with your travels.”

“Thank you, grandmother, but I couldn’t. I have more than enough to get me through. Please, keep it for you and yours.” With that, and a smile and wave, I went on my way.

Despite my smile for the people, however, I was troubled. How could the king order mass executions? It had never been done in the history of the kingdom, even with the worst of our monarchs. The worst year for executions still only saw 10, and that for the worst traitors of the kingdom.

Who was he executing? Former nobles who would not support him? Commoners who caused trouble? A mixture of both? Perhaps it was officials that he had replaced with his own people. He may have needed them out of the way so that people could not rise behind them. Even locked up, people could unite under the idea that they could free those that previously had power and put them back in control.

Trying to guess the motives of a monster was only going to distract me from the road. Regardless of his reasons, it was not going to help his cause. If anything, it was only going to make it easier for me and others like me to get him off the throne. I could see our homeland returning to normal in the near future, if he continued at this rate.

Marcus looked over the newest recruits to the army as they stood before him. He frowned, seeing that many of them looked uneasy. “Why do so many of my new soldiers look discomforted?” He asked his advisor quietly.

“They have it in their heads that this is a forced recruitment, and they were required to join up. Nothing the recruiters said convinced them otherwise. It appears that people are beginning to fear you, your majesty,” the man replied in a near whisper. Marcus sighed, looking over the troops.

“We are not at war, nor in urgent need of new troops. Nervous soldiers right now will not be worth our time.” Marcus moved forward, looking at the group before him. “Those of you who do not wish to be here, you are dismissed. This is not a mandatory recruitment, regardless of gossip. We are not at war, and we are in no urgent need of the man power. We simply wish to make sure any who wish to train have the time to do so, should trouble arise. 

“In this time of unrest, those at our borders may see us as weak and vulnerable. We simply want to be ready, should one of them decide that our kingdom is an easy target.” Marcus paused, smirking slightly. “We will prove to be otherwise, of course. Our military has always been strong and proud, and it remains such to this day. Now… Those who still wish to train, please wait here for the training masters to come and give you instructions. Those who wish to go home, please do so. I wish you safe travels, and good fortune.”

As Marcus turned to leave, his advisor following, small murmurs ran through the recruits. No one left before the training masters came to them, nor did they look anxious anymore.

It was two days of walking before I arrived at the nearest town. While I still had plenty of food and water, thanks to Pa, I hadn’t quite brought enough supplies to keep clean with. My clothes were starting to look pretty filthy, and I figured it was time to stop by a shop to pick up a couple additional things.

It didn’t take long to find the town’s shop. A brightly painted sign pointed the way, though not a lot of customers seemed to be coming and going at the moment. Heading inside to look around, I noticed that the shop was neat and tidy, with inventory displayed on well-crafted wooden tables and shelves. 

What was odd, however, was the abundance of goods for what looked to be a well-off shop. Most shops that were popular enough to have such nice displays and beautiful signs had trouble keeping the shelves stocked throughout the day, due to the abundance of customers.

And where were the customers? At this time of day, nearing noon, a shop like this should have been packed. I shouldn’t have been able to hear myself think for the noise of haggling. Yet, there wasn’t a soul here save myself and the shopkeep, who watched me hopefully.

I shook off the shock of the situation and went about grabbing supplies, heading to the counter with it. “Good day, sir.”

“Good day to you,” The shopkeep smiled. “It’s good to have a customer again.” He went through my items as I frowned.

“This looks like a popular shop, what would make custom fall so much you would say that?”

“The damned taxes, for one. People have less money to spend. Then, one of his fancy new ‘inspectors’ came to have a look at the shop, and we got hit with a large fine for a law no one’s ever even bothered with! We aren’t allowed to mark prices up for tourists. You know how the monarchy is, they didn’t really actually care as long as you paid the proper taxes on it. But then here comes this new fella, and he starts enforcing that old, foolish law! Says prices are meant to be equal to all, no matter where they’re from. But that’s the only way small shops can stay in business- My shop will survive, we’re the only one in town. But small shops in big towns? How will they fair, not being able to mark up prices to tourists? Where’ll they get that income?”

“He’s messing with the natural flow of everything, isn’t he? Higher taxes, messing with the practices of every shop in the land- And not everyone will be fined, I bet. He’s likely going to ‘make examples’ of certain shops, just to get a handle on it. Just wants to control people, I think,” I grumbled. “Well, don’t you worry. I’m on my way to try to help get the rightful queen back on the throne, and get rid of this imposter.”

“Good on ya, son. I just had a couple people pass through last week, talkin’ bout the same. That was the day before the fine hit.” The man sighed, accepting my payment and going back to his work. “Have a safe trip.” I gave a nod and a wave, collecting my goods and heading out.

—————–

“Sire, our latest reports,” A young woman said, coming into the study Marcus used and handing him a sheaf of papers. “While your changes are taking hold… There are dissenters…” She watched as Marcus scanned through the papers.

“Ah, I see… A small force gathering, eh?” He asked, sighing. “That’s what has you concerned, Olivia. Well… I guess we’ll just have to take emergency measures. Prepare the Guard, but do not have them march yet. Have this group watched for now, and report on them every two days for the time being. From there, we will decide what to do. Understood?”

“Yes, sire, of course.” With a small frown, Olivia bowed and went off to do as she had been ordered. Marcus sighed and turned to look out a window.

“Time to see which way this whole thing will fall…”

I can’t remember when I first realized what I planned to do. It wasn’t when I first learned of the death of our king, nor when I learned his killer had imprisoned the queen. Maybe it was when I learned that the scum had claimed the throne and started raising taxes. Might have even been when he started peace talks with our long time enemy to the north.

All I know for sure, it didn’t take long to decide that this usurper was evil. Like any evil-doer, he had to be brought to justice. And I was going to do my best to make sure that happened.

My mission, of course, was not going to be an easy one. I was just a country boy. But that didn’t matter to me. All that mattered was getting there, and getting the job done. I could figure out the rest as I went along.

My journey began two months after the new king, Marcus, took the throne. My parents had just been forced to sell part of our land due to the increase in taxes. Father was heartbroken- The farm had been in his family for five generations. We had worked hard to keep it as successful as it had been. Mother was equally upset- Along with the land, we’d had to sell some animals, including her favorite horse. She had raised it from an orphaned foal.

I could hardly stand it. If these new taxes were hurting farmers so badly, what were they doing to those without enough to make ends meet as it was? The poorest of the poor folks, the single parents, the homeless- All of them had to be on their last legs after two months of this nonsense.

“Ma, Pa, I can’t sit idly by and watch this… This monster destroy our kingdom. I’ve got to do something,” I told them at breakfast one morning.

“Eli, dear, what can you do? You’re just a country boy- You don’t have the training to fight a power-mad king!” My mother protested. “Best to just stay here and let the nobles handle it.”

“Nonsense, love. The boy’s passionate- The nobles will need strong arms and hands. They can only do so much with money, and that’s only if they have much left with this Marcus fella taxing everyone blind. Elliot, you do what you need to, boy. You’re 18 now, you an make your own decisions. I’ll help much as I can with provisions, but… You’ll be on your own heading to the capital. Can’t rightly leave you Ma and the farm here alone.” Pa always was the sensible one. Ma thought too much with her heart, not her head. Pa could get emotional, but he was careful to think before he acted or spoke. That’s how he kept the farm running so well for all these years.

I nodded my appreciation to Pa, and smiled to Ma. “I’ll be fine, Ma. I can handle myself, and I’m sure whoever I join up with along the way will teach me anything I need to know. Don’t worry about me.”

“Oh, my baby boy, all grown and taking on his own journeys as a man!” Ma was nearly in tears. I couldn’t tell if she was sad I was an adult now, or happy. It might have been a bit of both, thinking about it.

It only took a couple days to get myself around and for Pa to get me some provisions packed. Once that was done and my goodbyes were said, I set off for the capital. The roads were clear, weather was nice, and the only blight on my trip that I could see was the man sitting on the throne.

If only I knew how much more vile the man could be than I already suspected. In the coming days, conversations with folks along the route to the capital would reveal new injustices. This was only the beginning.

—————–

“Marcus, perhaps you should slow down on these reforms? A number of people already think poorly of you. You will only get yourself killed should you continue at this pace,” an older man lectured to a young one. The young man wore nice but worn clothing, his light brown hair well maintained and his bright green eyes clear and steady as they gazed out a window.

“I cannot. If I do not get these changes made quickly, people will never begin to see what I am doing. Everything must be in place quickly, or all of this risks failure… Whether I am killed or overthrown, or left to rule.” The voice coming from the young man was light, calm, and steady. Even given a possible threat to his life, it was clear he was a man on a mission. The older man sighed and walked over, placing a hand on Marcus’ shoulder lightly.

“My boy, you are young and strong. You will throw your life away for this plan of yours. Is that what you want?”

“I want to succeed, Lord Edward. If I die in the process, then so be it,” Marcus replied simply. “This is simply the next step- And I will face any challenges as I take it with courage, strength, and skill.”

“If you insist, your majesty… Though I still think this will end in ruin, you already know you have my full support,” The older man sighed. “You always were stubborn once you’d set your mind, even as a toddler.”

“Now to see if that stubbornness is a gift or a curse,” Marcus replied, favoring the older man with a small smile.