Look for the Tangled reference.

Disclaimer: Disney owns Cinderella, I only own my daydreams.

Carry out the four R's: rest, relax, read, and review.

"Hear ye, hear ye!" The next day, the second challenge was announced.

Kane, Kurt, and Kit once again stood in front of the king who was seated on a raised dais.
Kane shoved Kit behind them so he was standing behind them and Kurt stepped on his foot.
Kit just rolled his eyes, well used to their bullying antics by now and listened to the herald.

"I remind you all that our most just and wise king has arranged a series of challenges to determine his heir, the heir to the throne and kingdom."
The herald continued, "I am henceforth announcing the second challenge: to improve the army in order to defend our beloved kingdom. You may have up to five servants or soldiers to help you but no royal advisors or the captain of the guard. You have one week before you present your army before the court." He signaled the start on his horn.

Kane, after a very little bit of thought set out to train the prisoners into soldiers.
He had three prison guards and two soldiers to help him.
He was cruel in his treatment of the prisoners and frequently whipped them into compliance.
However, by the end of the week, they were able to march and do a few drills.

Kurt went straight to the new lieutenants in the army, the ones that admired his strength and prowess on the training field and were too green to see his lack of strategy.
He had five of them come with him to the docks where he bought five indentured servants contracts from the Guilder ship that had tried to sell him the fire bolts.
He realized later that none of them spoke English but decided he could gesture and they would eventually understand. He beat them into submission and tried to train them.
They eventually learned to jump when he yelled but they all thought he was crazy and resolved to tell someone as soon as they found someone who could speak German.

Meanwhile, Kit asked Marcus, George and Alistair if they would help him.
They all agreed, Alistair rolled his eyes that Kit felt he had to even ask.

Kit then went to the newest recruits that had passed the initial training.
He asked two of them to help him with training since they knew how it felt to not know how to do anything and could understand how to teach others.

Kit had insisted that they all wear the simple uniform of a palace soldier, rather than his princely attire or Alistair's bodyguard uniform.

"What's your plan, Kit?" Alistair asked, as they rode toward the village square, appearing like another company of soldiers on patrol.
This also hid Kit's plan from his brothers who would have delighted in spoiling it ahead of time had they known.
But Kane's spies and Kurt's look outs didn't think to look for ordinary soldiers and thus Kit avoided their interference.

"I was hoping to create a sort of militia with the villagers. I thought they might respond better to Kit and Alistair than the prince and his bodyguard." Kit explained.

"Along those same lines, call me Kit, not your highness while we talk about the idea with the villagers. It will work much better if they agree of their own free will instead out of intimidation or fear or resentment."
Kit had more than his fair share of fear and had no desire to make anyone afraid of him.

When they got to the village square, Kit paused for a moment, gathering his courage as the others went ahead to round up the villager men who were still at their homes.
A beautiful dog who had been playing with some children, ran up to him and sat at his feet, drawn by his anxious expression. Kit smiled, bent down and reached with his hand to pet the dog but paused when he saw the same beautiful brown eyes the cat had, and the maiden in the forest before that.
The dog whined in its throat, and he shook his head and proceeded to scratch behind its ears.
The dog was a lovely blond color and Kit noted how its fur shone in the sunshine of the early morning.

"I don't suppose you guessed I was nervous and came over here to comfort me?" Kit asked the dog.

The dog reached up and put a paw on Kit's knee.

Cinderella knew this was pushing her luck, but she wanted to reassure him that he had someone on his side.
He was so kind and she wanted to return that kindness in any way she could, even as a dog.
She had been lingering around the village to learn more about Kit and check up on her old friends.
She couldn't believe her good fortune to run into Kit again.

To say Kit was shocked was an understatement, he had never seen an animal respond so well when he had talked to one.
He wasn't sure what to make of it or those familiar brown eyes but he decided to just accept it for now and think more on it later.

"Well, I was given a task by the king to find a way to improve our kingdom's army. I thought I could create a militia of the villagers. They could better defend their homes and they have loyalty to us. They would give it more heart than hired soldiers and less of their lives would be lost in an invasion."

The dog barked eagerly. Cinderella thought it was a brilliant plan though she did wonder more about what kind of apprentice he was, that his tasks were this varied.

"But I am worried they won't want to listen to me. I don't know how to get their attention so I can try to explain my idea. I don't know how to earn their respect." Kit sighed and stood up.

The dog nuzzled his hand.
Cinderella' heart ached for him, that he didn't felt worthy of their respect.
She knew what that felt like, everyday after working for her stepmother or being ignored as an animal.

"Still, I have to try don't I? Have courage and be kind, it's all I can do." Kit smiled down at the dog who had its head cocked, seemingly in confusion.

Cinderella was again shocked that he had taken her words to heart.
Who was this boy, no this man, who cared so much about the kingdom?

"Kit! All of the village men are here in the square." Alistair called.

Kit squared his shoulders and walked to the center of the square.
Cinderella followed him and sat on down by Kit's feet.

"Attention everyone. I would like to thank you for leaving your homes and work to come here. I have a request to make of you. My name is Kit and I-"
While Kit had been talking, Cinderella had left her post by his feet and gone through the crowd to nudge the old priest forward to where he could see the speaker.

Cinderella knew the priest could help with the crowds and he seemed like he knew Kit from the way he stared at him.

"Kit? Kit! How wonderful to see you dear boy." The old priest made his way through the crowd, added by the dog running ahead to once again sit at Kit's feet.

"I never got to thank you for your last donation of food and clothes. We were in desperate need of it, since one of the farmer's houses had burned down."

Kit grasped the priest's hands. "Think nothing of it, I was happy to help. We must all have courage and be kind, mustn't we?" Kit then went to address the crowd.

"Now, the king has tasked me with strengthening our kingdom's defenses. I would like to ask you men for your help."

The crowd whispered about the other things they had heard the man named Kit gave to help those in need.
Tales of coats in the winter and food for the hungry and treats for the children were only a few of things mentioned.
One the blacksmith whispered that Kit had donated a anvil for his trade that he had yet to see the equal of.
The baker whispered that Kit always bought cookies for the children hanging around the square when he came to town. One of the farmers told how Kit had brought him seed and a new plow after his field had been burned.

A large man from the crowd called out, "What does the crown want from us? Our sons? Our gold to buy soldiers?"

"No, neither the crown nor I want to take any more of your money or your sons." Kit hastened to explain.

"Well what do you want? And who are you to call us here?" one ornery farmer called out.

The dog barked loudly at the man and the man appeared chastened, he had always liked the dog when he had seen it around the forest and village.
Cinderella knew they would like Kit's idea, she just needed to get them to listen long enough to see Kit's goodness.

Kit meanwhile felt reassured that someone cared enough to defend him and gather his courage once more.

"I want to form a militia. I want to give you men weapons, a staff or an ax, and some training in basic drills so you can defend your homes from an invasion."

"Why would you trust us with weapons? Aren't you worried about a rebellion?" Another person called out.

"It isn't fair of me not to trust my own countrymen with weapons if I want you to show loyalty to the kingdom but not give it in return. I want you to be able to defend your own homes with the best means possible.
I want no lives lost if foreigners do come and try to attack you and burn your lands.
I want you to be able to fight back, against outsiders, but also against the crown if the crown doesn't protect you. You have the right to defend yourself and the right to be heard." Kit declared, radiating his confidence in the people.

The crowd had gasped and started murmuring during Kit's speech. Some looked dumbfounded, others disbelieving, others skeptical.

Cinderella was amazed at his heart and his kindness, he truly cared for the kingdom in a way no one else had since the Queen.

"What do we have to do?"

"I want you to form a line and tell Marcus and Edmund if you'd like a staff or an ax or a club. Then, George will give you whichever you asked for. Once every men has a weapon, Alistair will train the men with axes. Peter and Eric will train the men with clubs. I will train the men with staffs. Once everyone understands how to use their weapons, we will run through three drills for practice."

"How long will this training take? We all have work to do and livings to earn."

"The crown will pay every men for one week's worth of training, a standard soldier's pay. You will keep your weapons once the week is done. If the king approves of the militia, you will have training four times a year to keep the drills in your memory. Each time, you will be paid for your efforts."

The crowd started talking again, with shouts of agreement.

"So men, do you wish to join me in protecting our kingdom?" The blonde dog barked loudly and the crowd yelled in agreement.

The training over the course of the week went very well.
The villagers took time to learn how to properly use the weapons but Kit was a patient teacher and the others followed his lead.
Kit could see how to help each person use the weapon to their advantage and which weapon would work best for the shoemaker compared to the blacksmith, compared to the baker.
Under his leadership, the men banded together and they were soon performing the drills as a cohesive unit.

All throughout the week, Cinderella followed Kit around as a dog, making him smile when he got frustrated, putting the villagers at ease with her playful manner and barking encouragement at those who got discouraged.

However, she left just before sunset each night because of the curse and to rush back so her stepmother wouldn't notice she had left the woods.
Luckily for her, her stepmother was trying to teach her girls magic but they weren't very good so it took a lot of her time and energy so she didn't pay attention to see if Cinderella's work was done.

Kit wasn't sure what to make of it but thought that perhaps the dog had an owner it returned to each night. His heart kept jumping into his throat every time he looked into its warm brown eyes.
He later learned it was a female dog from the village children who stopped by to play sometimes.

The week drew to a close and the time for the princes to present their solutions to the king was at hand.
Kit had got ten of the villagers to come to the castle to represent the militia.

Cinderella followed the party to the castle gates and then barked at Kit when she saw the sun setting.

Kit knelt down and began petting the dog.

"Thank you for all your help this week, my friend."

The dog licked his hand and then darted off toward the forest.

Cinderella couldn't believe she had just kissed his hand!

But he was so wonderful to her that she had done it without thinking.
She was just so proud of how he earned the trust and respect of the villagers.

He was pretty skilled with fighting too. She blushed to remember seeing him in action. What a great man he would be at whatever his trade was.

She did wonder who he was an apprentice for? What was he trying to become? His tasks were so varied, it puzzled her.

She got so lost in thought that she missed her animal friends' warning and the witch caught her at the edge of the woods.

Cinderella quickly schooled her features into a sad expression, if her stepmother saw her smiling, she lost her meal privileges and had to scavenge in the forest.

"So, what's your answer to be tonight? Come to your senses?" The witch asked.

"My answer is the same as always, madam, though I am sorry for my stepsisters but no." Cinderella crossed her arms, ducked her head and hoped that would be the end of it.

"Very well then, (hmph) I will just be on my way, my precious daughters need fed and their mud bath needs replenished so get to wor-"
The witch sniffed the air. "Do you smell men, like sweaty men odor? Kinda like the color brown?"

"Well...I was down at the village earlier today where some men were training."
She couldn't lie, it was still too ingrained in her by her father to tell the truth.

The witch's eyes narrowed. "You were, were you? Meet any princes?" She snorted.

"No, that's not why I wen-No, I didn't meet any princes." She shook her head.

"Hmm. I believe you. But just a reminder of what I can do as long as you defy me."
The witch snapped her fingers and a rope trap captured Cinderella. The trap was clenched tight around her, making movement neigh impossible. It also swayed precariously with the breeze, making her feel like she could fall at any second.

She snapped her fingers again and Cinderella was gagged.

"You need to stay put for a while and think long and hard about your next answer to my questions. Only I can release it, so no need to fret about anyone trying to rescue you. "

It will expand and contract to any animal form you take, be it bear or mouse...so no escaping and what human would ever release a wild beast from a trap? "

"So I think you will be left with plenty of time to think...days even." The witch vanished from sight with an evil smirk and sarcastic wave.

Cinderella sighed, she was in for it this time. Her stepmother had only done this once before, when Cinderella had gone to the village to try to ask for help from her friends. Cinderella had realized no one knew who she was as an animal but her stepmother only cared that she disobeyed her and was trying to break her curse.

Still, helping Kit had been worth it, those memories would sustain her until she was freed.

Meanwhile, back along the path to the palace...

Kit eyed the woods curiously, feeling like the act of the dog licking his hand had some deeper meaning if he could only could see it.

At the sight of the men starting to stare, he continued forward to the throne room.

The men asked Kit, "What is your job in the castle? Are you in the army or an advisor or clerk?"

Kit hesitated and rubbed the back of his neck. "No, I'm…well I'm…that is to say….(big sigh as Kit straightened his spine) I am the youngest prince."

The men laughed loudly and Kit cringed on the inside though outwardly, he remained erect.
"No you can't be, the youngest is a weakling, a simpleton. He could never have come up with your idea let alone know how to handle a weapon." One of the men explained.

Alistair spoke up as he put his hand on Kit's shoulder, "No, it's true. I am the his bodyguard and friend."

The men looked at Kit again and then warily at each other. They all got down on their knees and bowed their heads in shame.

"We humbly beg your pardon your highness. We did not mean to insult you. We ask that you show mercy as you deal with our offense."

"Stand up please, I am not a god to be offended with blasphemy. And I can understand your confusion." Kit frowned and smiled a grim, resigned smile.

"My brothers have spread rumors far and wide about me. I only hope that you won't let my reputation take away from your hard work this week."

He bit his lip as he tried to gauge their expressions.

"No sir. We won't let you down."
The men all nodded their agreement and they stood up.
Now, they were more determined than ever to do well in front of the king. He should see what kind of man his youngest was.

Like the last time, Kane presented his solution first. He stood proudly in front of the prisoners.

"My idea, father, was to use the prisoners as supplementary troops. We don't have to pay them or feed them like we do with our soldiers. They would die in prison eventually." Kane smiled cruelly and cracked whip in his hand.

He had the prisoners run through some sword drills. They marched well enough. However, two of the men collapsed from lack of food and fever while the others dropped the weapons after trying to do various moves due to their injured backs.

Julius called out, " How dare you disobey your future king! You lazy leeches, you-"

"Julius." The king reprimanded.

"I am sorry father, I will have them ready if I have more time."
"The threat of no food for a week should motivate them, or whipping if that doesn't work." Kane hurried to reassure his father as he glared at the prisoners.

The king only frowned and gestured for Kurt to go.

Kurt had his band of Germans march and run and throw some knives.
One of them tripped and his knife would have hit the Kit's foot if he hadn't moved it in time.
The man immediately fell to his knees and called out an apology in German.

The king stood up and called out, "Arrest this man for trying to harm my son."

"No father," Kit cried out. It was an accident. The man apologized and said he tripped and the knife left his hand.

"You understood him?" Kurt scratched his head.

"Yes…"Kit paused as all the men rushed up to him and beginning speaking and pointed at Kurt all at once and very fast.

"They…were indentured servants. They were sold to pay off their lord's debts.
They are skilled in ironwork and building things.
They looked at him, pleading with their eyes for help. Kit thought very quickly.

"Why don't we have them work for George in the smithy while they learn our language, till their debt is paid?" Kit suggested.

"Your highness, that is most unusual and foolish and it's just not done." Julius humphed as he crossed his arms and tapped his foot impatiently.

"Father, these men have value to offer, it would be more foolish to waste their learning. They can't help that their country allows the selling of people. They should be free to work at their profession, not a slaves. Just because it's not done, doesn't mean it shouldn't be done." Kit argued, eyes bright with passion.

The king was silent for a moment as he stared at Kit, stunned at how confident he had become.
The Germans were silent too, sensing something was being decided.

"George, is this agreeable to you?" The king finally asked.

"Yes, your majesty. I have heard great things about German iron work." George replied.

"Very well, these men will work off their debt to you, and then earn a wage once they do."

Kit hurriedly translated for the men who then cheered and knelt before the king.

"They thank you, Father, for your mercy and wisdom." Kit then blushed as one of the men continued.

"What did they say?" the king asked.

"They said…" Kit paused and the man repeated what he said. "He said, they are grateful you raised...such a smart and just son who took pity on them and treated them with kindness in a foreign land."

"Now Kit, let's see what you've done." Julius sneered. Kane and Kurt perked up, certain that Kit couldn't have put together an army if they with all their skill (Kane) and strength (Kurt) couldn't.

Kit took a deep breath, squared his shoulders and prepared to defend his plan.

"Father, I have brought a representation of the village militia. Every man under 70 and above 15 has trained this week to learn how to defend their home from an invasion. They were given a choice of a weapon, staff, ax, or club. They were taught how to use them and three drills. They have agreed to repeat this training four times a year in exchange for soldier's pay for their time away from their work."

The villagers showed their skill with the weapons.
They weren't masters by any means but they had the basics down.
They then demonstrated the three drills to surround the invaders, create a blockade, or form a guard to protect their families as they retreated to the palace.

After their display, Kurt and Kane's faces were scowling while the captain of the guard look impressed.

Kane inserted, "Aren't you worried about a rebellion, Father? Like with the Americas" He finished with a wicked grin.

The court gasped at the mention of the Americas and looked nervously at the men.

Julius jumped at this idea, "Yes sire, peasants aren't to be trusted with weapons. Only the simpleton would think it could work." He glared at Kit.

The king looked as though he was listening to Kane and Julius. Kit frowned as he tried to think of way to get the court to listen to him.

One of the men spoke up, "Beggin' your pardon sire. But we won't rebel against Kit. He said that if the crown can demand our loyalty, we can demand loyalty from the crown. We won't rebel against you or him, sire, beggin' your pardon."

The king was silent for a moment as Kit smiled, determined to show the men he had courage they could respect and count on.

"Kit."

"Yes father?" Kit approached the throne cautiously, his father's face was blank and his tone even so he had no idea what was running through his head.

The king put his hands together as he leaned forward. "Your idea of a militia has never been done before. Where did you get this idea?"

"I read about it in a history book and I followed the American rebellion. But they were right to rebel, father."
Kit ignored the gasps and scoffs of the court.
"Their king had stopped listening to their needs and was bankrupting them with taxes. So long as we show them courage and kindness, these men have promised to give us the same. And the courage in our kingdom could stand strong against any threat."

The men cheered at this speech while Kit stood firm.

"I see." The king eyed Kit's military posture and how the men looked at him with respect. He had never looked to see how others viewed Kit before. He then saw how the prisoners cringed every time Kane stepped closer while the Germans threw dirty looks at Kurt. An army with respect was much better than an army of fear, the king knew this to be true from his battle experience.

"The crown will support Kit's militia. The villagers will be given new weapons when the ones issued rust and they will be paid for their efforts to protect the kingdom."

Kit smiled hugely at his friends and the villages cheered.

Kurt, Kane, and Julius drew together. "You must find out what the next challenge is ahead of time and tell me so I can prepare." Kane demanded, his handsome features twisted in an angry scowl.

Julius smirked, "Rest assured, I will find out. The simpleton will be seen for what he truly is."