"Roland, for now don't worry about all of that. Just focus on talking to the other captains. Once they are on your side, come up with tactics to slow the advance of the enemy."

Roland says "Wait, why am I coming up with tactics? Don't you already have all this planned out?"

"I did, but during the competition I realized you are a much better tactician than I am. The only reason you haven't been able to show your true abilities is because you were limited to one troop."

Roland says "Is this part of your plan to make me the king?"

"No, this is part of my plan to win the war!"

Roland says "Are you sure you want me coming up with the tactics?"

"Yes! And don't worry about becoming king, that will only happen if we win the war. After all, our odds are pretty low."

Warden says "I think our odds would be zero if it wasn't for you."

Roland says "Okay, I will focus on the war. I will go call the other captains right now!"

As Roland leaves I am glad that he is listening to me, that was a major hurdle for the plan. If he had decided not to listen to me because I am a prisoner things would have been a lot more complicated. Another surprise, the warden doesn't leave when Roland does.

"Was there something else, warden?"

Warden says "Yes, I wanted to inform you about the attempt on your life."

"Oh, did you find out who was behind it?"

Warden says "I did. The guard who put the poison in your food gave up who hired him. It was Drake."

"Well, I can't really say I am surprised. It was probably an attempt at revenge for humiliating him."

Warden says "Who knows. Using my authority as warden I have issued an arrest warrant for him. Even the nobles can't protect him from me."

"No, but the king can."

Warden says "I have already made the arrest warrant and the reason behind it public. If the king does counter it that might just be the spark you are waiting for."

"While I appreciate what you have done, I will admit to being curious about your motivation. After all, you didn't know me before I became your prisoner."

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Warden says "In addition to being the warden of this prison I am also in charge of the town guard. I am responsible for enforcing the law, and I am a firm believer in law and order. The fact that the king declared you guilty and sentenced you to death without a trial tells me you are most likely innocent."

"Innocent or guilty, does it really matter?"

Warden says "Of course it does! No one should be above the law, including the king!"

"If that is how you feel the nobles must drive you insane!"

Warden says "That is putting it mildly! Although, I will admit that if there wasn't an invasion looming I would take issue with your methods."

"I am aware that doing things this way is going to cause the deaths of a lot of people. While I regret that, I could find no other path that didn't lead to the fall of the kingdom."

Warden says "So it is a case of a few deaths in the rebellion versus everyone dying when the kingdom falls?"

"Yes. Although, it will be more than just a few deaths."

Warden says "If it were just an unorganized mob that would be true."

"Do you have something in mind?"

Warden says "Yes, as a matter of fact I do."

"Anything that will lessen the deaths is a good thing. What is your plan?"

Warden says "Guard! Remove his manacles."

Guard says "What? Are you sure about this, sir?"

Warden says "Yes, I am sure. Remove them. From now on Ash is our guest!"

When the guard reluctantly comes over to remove the manacles I act as meek as a kitten. For a second I think about just snapping them to show how useless they are, but I resist the temptation. While the look on the guards face would be amusing, I would much rather have the warden as an ally.

"Thank you."

Warden says "It's not like they were doing anything. I noticed how careful you were to not snap them accidentally."

"You are very observant."

Warden says "Part of the job description. Now, how can I help?"

"Well, if the town guard joins the rebellion and helps to organize it that would greatly reduce the casualties."

Warden says "Exactly what I was thinking."

"What do you think might happen if you led a group of guards into the court to execute the arrest warrant?"

Warden says "The king would probably interfere. Oh, I see!"

"The king is an idiot, but given time he can get advice from people smarter than him. However, if he makes a snap decision without consulting his advisors."

Warden says "Then he will make the worst possible decision! I understand, I will make the arrangements immediately!"

With an excited smile on his face the warden walks out of my cell, things are progressing faster than I thought they would. With the warden on my side we are almost guaranteed to have everything in town settled before the army arrives. I might even get out of here in time to do some work before they arrive.

After my lunch is delivered and eaten I go back to meditating and exploring the potential of the new skill. The only interruption this time is when my dinner arrives, I don't get any more visitors. It is rather frustrating to know that things are happening outside but not knowing what is going on.

I spend the entire night working on watching my life all the way through and completing my list of what I need to do when I return to Illium. The list will of course change after I deal with the temple and talk to the goddesses. Hopefully it will get shorter but knowing my luck it will get longer.

In the morning when my breakfast is brought in, it is brought by the warden. He is wearing armor and I can see evidence of blood having been cleaned off of it recently. I'm guessing his visit to the court didn't go well, but that was within my expectations.

"You look like you have been busy."

Warden says "The king actually ordered his royal guard to arrest me."