The Brotherhood’s camp lay deep within the forest, hidden beneath the thick canopy. Nathaniel’s presence was met with skepticism—his former rank as a government officer marked him as an outsider. Whispers of “spy” and “traitor” followed him as he moved through the camp, yet Margaret stood by him, her support unwavering.

As they walked, she spoke of the Brotherhood’s ideals. “We fight for a republic, where no man rules another. A society where laws are made by the people, for the people.” Her words rang in Nathaniel’s ears, stirring something within him. The ideals of liberty and equality she spoke of mirrored the sentiments he had read in the forbidden book.

Nathaniel paused, observing the rebellion’s banners—crossed quill and sword. “And what’s the vision beyond the battle?”

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“A republic,” Margaret replied, “Where no monarchs reign, only elected leaders. A government that answers to the people.”

Nathaniel’s heart quickened. These were the ideals he had come to doubt in the crown’s reign, and here they were, embodied in a cause he could now believe in.

The Brotherhood’s leader, Samuel Hargrove, regarded him with suspicion. “Why should we trust you, Captain? You’ve turned your back on the crown.”

“I’ve seen tyranny firsthand,” Nathaniel replied, his voice steady. “I can no longer serve it. If you’ll have me, I’ll fight for your cause.”

Hargrove studied him for a long moment before nodding. “Then prove it.”

Nathaniel’s path was clear now. His loyalty was no longer to the crown but to a republic built on the ideals of freedom and equality.