Daniel spent the next few days carefully observing Sardes, listening to the whispers in the marketplace, the murmurs of merchants, and the complaints of the soldiers. It was clear that tensions were rising. Though the Persian administration maintained a strong grip on the city, there were signs of unrest—discontented nobles, Greek traders suddenly disappearing from the markets, and an unusual increase in armed travelers passing through the gates.
One evening, Daniel decided it was time to act. He managed to secure a meeting with a minor Persian official, a man named Ormazd, who oversaw logistical matters for the city guard. Sitting across from him in a dimly lit chamber, Daniel chose his words carefully.
"I have reason to believe that a rebellion is being planned," he said. "The Greeks are stirring trouble, and there are nobles in Anatolia who are willing to fight against Persian rule. I know where they will strike first."
Ormazd narrowed his eyes. "And how would a foreigner like you come by such knowledge?"
"I listen," Daniel replied. "Merchants speak freely when they think no one understands them. Travelers complain about unstable roads. You only have to connect the pieces."
Ormazd remained skeptical. "Even if I believed you, what would you suggest we do? We cannot act on rumors alone."
Daniel leaned forward. "You don't have to. What you can do is prepare Sardes for a siege. Reinforce the gates, improve the walls, stockpile supplies. And as for the army, your soldiers are trained well, but their formations could be improved. The Greeks will fight with agility, but they lack the discipline of a properly organized force."
Ormazd sighed, shaking his head. "You speak with great confidence, but why should we take your advice? You are no general."
Daniel knew he couldn't push too hard. He had already said too much. "Do as you wish," he said, standing up. "But when the attack comes, you'll remember my warning."
For the next few days, Daniel focused on strengthening his position. He worked with the local craftsmen, suggesting small improvements to defensive structures—reinforced wooden stakes at weak points in the walls, a more efficient way to distribute rations, and minor changes in patrol routes. Most of it was ignored, but a few of the lower-ranking officers saw value in his suggestions.
Then, the attack came.
Under the cover of night, rebel forces and their Greek allies launched a coordinated strike on Sardes. Flaming arrows soared over the walls, and groups of enemy soldiers rushed the gates. The initial confusion gave the rebels an advantage, but Daniel was already moving. He found Ormazd and shouted, "Now do you believe me?!"
His face pale with realization, the Persian official barked orders to his men. The defensive structures Daniel had quietly helped to reinforce held firm against the first wave of attacks. The Greeks were skilled, but Daniel had foreseen their tactics. He directed soldiers to form tighter, more disciplined lines, countering the enemy's speed with unwavering defense.
As the battle raged on, Daniel's presence became undeniable. The Persian commanders who had ignored him before now listened to his instructions. Step by step, the defense of Sardes held, and by morning, the rebels had retreated, their attack repelled.
But not everyone was pleased with Daniel's success.
Word spread among the rebels about the foreigner who had strengthened Sardes. Greek envoys cursed his name, and the Anatolian nobles who had hoped for a swift victory now saw him as a dangerous obstacle. Daniel had won Sardes's trust, but he had also gained powerful enemies.
And he knew they would not stop until he was removed.
The fires of rebellion had begun to spread across jonia, but Daniel remained in Sardes. He knew that venturing into open battle was too dangerous. He lacked experience in leading troops, and even if he had tactical knowledge, his status in the city was still uncertain. However, that didn't mean he was powerless.
The Persian authorities had started taking his warnings seriously. When the first signs of rebellion became evident, they implemented some of his suggestions. Walls were reinforced, key supplies were stockpiled, and additional scouts were deployed. Yet, the threat was growing, and despite the preparations, Sardes remained vulnerable.
Daniel used his dinosaurs in secret to gain an edge. His smaller, faster creatures—like his Velociraptor and Coelophysis—were perfect for reconnaissance. Under the cover of night, they moved through the outskirts of the city, tracking movements and identifying potential spies. The results were immediate. Several Greek infiltrators who had been surveying the city's defenses disappeared without a trace, causing confusion among the rebels and delaying their plans.
But it wasn't just the enemy who had taken notice. Within Sardes, rumors began to spread. Some claimed that the city had an unseen protector. Others whispered of unnatural forces at work. The Persian commanders were pragmatic men, focused on the looming war, but even they started to question Daniel's uncanny ability to predict enemy movements.
Artabanes, the caravan leader whom Daniel had assisted earlier, had become an unexpected ally. His influence among the merchants and minor nobles helped Daniel navigate the growing tensions. Through him, Daniel subtly pushed for more defensive measures, careful never to overplay his hand.
One evening, Artabanes approached Daniel with a cautious expression.
"You've been right about many things," he said. "Too many. Some are beginning to ask how you know so much."
Daniel gave a careful smile. "I observe, I listen, and I think ahead. That is all."
Artabanes studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Be careful. Not everyone appreciates knowledge as much as I do."
Daniel understood the warning. His influence was growing, but so was the suspicion around him. If he wasn't careful, the same people who benefited from his advice might one day turn against him. And then there were the rebels—every Greek spy he eliminated, every defensive measure he helped implement, only deepened their hatred for him.
The city braced itself as the fires of war crept closer. Sardes would soon be tested, and Daniel knew that when the storm arrived, his choices would determine not only his fate but the fate of the city itself.