"It'll have to be. Each man has been hand-picked — sorry Your Highness, but I've got the best of 'em — and we're actually replacing a hundred real farmers and workers, who will give us their clothing and wait here in the city while we exit in their stead."

Marcus coughed. "It's risky."

"Nothing comes without risk," Rogan said. "These workers we're replacing also have loved ones in the camp. My hundred men will each have a new name, new clothing, a new family, and a new home. Let's just hope our enemies don't notice the deception."

"Which is why we've planned it for the day of the new guard rotation," Marcus said.

"That's right." Rogan smiled grimly at the young soldier. "We'll leave during the day, then after sunset I'll assemble my men in the forest outside the prison camp. When we get the signal from inside, we'll strike."

"What signal?" Tiesto asked. "What if you don't see it?"

"Amber is an Alturan enchantress, Your Highness," Rogan said. "She said she would raise a green light — green for Altura. She'll make sure we see it. And when we see the light, that's when we strike."

"The timing's tight," Tiesto muttered.

"It is," Rogan said. "We only have the night to free the prisoners and march with those who are able back to Ralanast's eastern gate, keeping the enemy at bay the entire time. Your Highness, you must start the revolt at dawn."

"And finally…" Marcus said.

"Finally we all march through the city for the main southern gate, where the Lord Marshal and an army of Alturans and Halrana will be itching to get in."

"It's a good plan," Tiesto said, nodding. "But it all comes down to the prison camp."

"It comes down to a lot more than that, Your Highness," Rogan said.

"Marcus, please, leave us alone for a moment," Prince Tiesto said.

Marcus placed his hand over his heart and looked briefly at the ground, before glancing at Rogan and then departing.

"Look, if this is about the High Animator's request, I'm afraid this is one battle that won't be won by magic. In three days time, it's the hearts of men that will be the deciding factor between victory and defeat. Without essence, and a lot of time…"

Prince Tiesto smiled. "No, Marshal Rogan…"

"Marshal…?"

"This isn't about the Halrana Lexicon, Rogan, this is about you."

Rogan scowled. "What about me?"

"It isn't right to call the man who trains bladesingers 'just Rogan'. Like it or not, you are a leader, and you need to have a title accordingly."

"Who says so?" Rogan asked.

"I say so," Prince Tiesto's voice firmed, and Rogan's eyebrows went up. "Here," the prince said.