Daniel sat on a flat rock, staring at the flickering flames of his small campfire. The events of the past days weighed heavily on his mind. He had arrived in an unfamiliar world, fought for survival, and now found himself entangled in a conflict that could shape history. His phone's translation ability had finally allowed him to understand the people around him, and the truth was undeniable—he was in Anatolia, amid the Achaemenid Empire's rule.
But the land was not at peace. A rebellious noble, supported by Greek forces, sought to overthrow Persian rule. Daniel found himself caught in a precarious position. Should he intervene? Should he remain neutral? If he sided with the rebels, he would be fighting against an empire that ultimately triumphed in history. However, if he aided the Persians, he might secure a stable place in this world, at the cost of aligning himself with a powerful and ruthless force.
His dinosaurs rested nearby—his Velociraptor alert, his Coelophysis curled up, and his small ceratopsian grazing idly. They were his strength, but they could not make this decision for him.
"I could run," he muttered. "Find another place, another land, and disappear. But then what? Would I always be on the move, avoiding every conflict?"
His knowledge was an advantage. Even without his dinosaurs, he could provide insights that no one else in this era possessed. Strategies, advanced concepts, and an understanding of the political landscape—these were powerful tools. He didn't have to be a warrior to be valuable.
But how much should he reveal? If he exposed too much, he might attract dangerous attention. If he held back, he might not be useful enough to secure protection.
After hours of internal debate, he made a decision. He would not take a side just yet. First, he needed information. The closest major city was Sardis, the heart of Persian administration in Anatolia. If he could reach it, he might learn more about the rebellion, the Persian response, and whether there was a path forward that did not lead to destruction.
Standing up, he glanced at his dinosaurs and then toward the distant lights of civilization. His path was set. It was time to see what Sardis had to offer.
Daniel adjusted the cloak he had acquired in a nearby village. It wasn't much, but it helped him blend in with the merchants and travelers entering Sardes. The city was bustling with activity—Persian officials overseeing trade, soldiers patrolling the streets, and Greek merchants negotiating prices. This was the heart of Persian rule in Anatolia, and Daniel knew that staying here would be both an opportunity and a risk.
The first thing he needed was information. He had no real connections, no allies, and no official status. If he wanted to help the Persians without drawing suspicion, he had to start small.
He wandered through the marketplace, listening carefully to the conversations around him. The merchants gossiped about increasing tensions with rebellious nobles and rumors of Greek support for an uprising. Persian administrators complained about the lack of soldiers to reinforce the city's defenses. It was clear that Sardes was vulnerable.
After purchasing some supplies with the silver he had earned from selling a few crafted trinkets, Daniel approached a small caravan preparing to leave the city. The traders seemed tense, discussing concerns about bandits on the roads. He saw an opportunity.
"I might have a way to help," Daniel said, carefully choosing his words.
The caravan leader, an older Persian man named Artabanes, looked at him skeptically. "And who are you? Another mercenary looking for work?"
"Just a traveler who's seen his share of dangerous roads," Daniel replied. "If you reroute your journey slightly to the east, you'll avoid the areas where bandits are most active. They target predictable paths."
Artabanes narrowed his eyes. "And how do you know this?"
"I've traveled through many lands. Patterns are easy to see if you pay attention."
The older man considered his words, then nodded. "Very well. If your advice proves true, I'll owe you a favor."
This was exactly what Daniel needed—connections. If he could gain trust among the locals, he could slowly work his way toward influencing the city's defense. He wasn't going to rush things. His knowledge of history told him that Sardes would fall, but perhaps he could alter that fate.
For now, he would remain an observer, learning and waiting for the right moment to act.
Daniel moved carefully through the crowded streets of Sardes, his senses alert for anything useful. The city's energy was a mixture of tension and commerce—merchants haggling, soldiers watching for trouble, and nobles whispering behind closed doors. He had gained a small foothold by helping the caravan, but that was just the beginning. If he wanted to truly establish himself, he needed more.
He spent the next few days observing and listening. Sardes was a city of wealth and power, but it was also on edge. The Persian authorities were wary, their grip on Anatolia threatened by the rebellious noble and his Greek allies. Rumors circulated—some said the rebellion was growing stronger, while others believed the Persians would soon crush it.
Daniel kept his opinions to himself. His priority was survival, and he wasn't ready to commit to a side yet. Instead, he focused on gathering more knowledge and finding opportunities to prove his worth.
One evening, while in a small tavern frequented by merchants and lower-ranking officials, he overheard a conversation that piqued his interest.
"The governor is worried," one man muttered to another over a cup of wine. "The rebels are getting bolder. If Sardes falls, all of Anatolia could be at risk."
"They wouldn't dare attack here," the second man scoffed. "The Persian army is too strong."
"You forget—Miletus and Ephesus are restless. If the Greeks send aid, we might not have enough men to hold the city."
Daniel took a sip of his drink, considering what he had just heard. The Persians were stretched thin. That meant they would need reliable allies and advisors. Perhaps this was his chance.
The next morning, he visited Artabanes, the caravan leader he had helped. The old merchant was in his warehouse, organizing goods for another journey.
"You again?" Artabanes said with a smirk. "Your advice saved us from an ambush. I suppose I owe you thanks."
Daniel nodded. "I appreciate that. But I need something in return."
The merchant raised an eyebrow. "And what might that be?"
"A meeting with someone in the Persian administration. I have information they might find valuable."
Artabanes studied him for a moment before sighing. "You play a dangerous game, traveler. But fine. I have connections. Meet me at the temple of Ahura Mazda at sunset."
Daniel inclined his head in gratitude and left. This was his first real step into the politics of Sardes. If he played his cards right, he might secure a position of influence. If he made a mistake, he could find himself on the wrong side of history.
Either way, his time as an observer was coming to an end.