Circa 1776 CE – The American Revolution
By the time the American Revolution broke out, Marcus had already witnessed the birth and fall of countless empires. But this was different. A new world was emerging, built not on conquest or power, but on the principles of liberty and equality. In Philadelphia, Marcus met George Washington and the founders of the new republic as they prepared for the Declaration of Independence.
"You seek to create a nation founded on ideals," Marcus said one evening, as he spoke with Washington by the banks of the Delaware River. "But ideals are fragile. How will you protect them once they are set in stone?"
Washington, his face weathered from years of struggle, met Marcus's eyes with a quiet intensity. "We will protect them through the will of the people."
Marcus nodded slowly, his eyes reflecting a centuries-old understanding. "The will of the people is powerful, but it can also be swayed. Remember, the strength of a nation lies not in its laws, but in its heart."
As the Revolution unfolded, Marcus kept his distance, but his influence was undeniable. He would offer guidance in the form of cryptic advice, and in turn, he saw a young nation begin to define itself not by the sword, but by the strength of its ideals.