“A man takes power where it is offered” (Stewart, 162). This statement from Ambrosius demonstrates his outlook on life. In The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart, Ambrosius succeeds in the novel, because even with his troublesome childhood he is patient, strategic, and keeps helpful company to help him conquer Britain and become the High King of Britain. His ultimate goal is to avenge his brother’s death and reclaim the throne, and due to his personality and knowledge, he is able to do so. Chased out of Britain as a child, Ambrosius and his little brother Uther allies with King Budec and stays in Less Britain for the next 20 years, causing unease in Britain because rumors are always flying that Ambrosius and Uther will come and invade Britain as revenge for the death of their father. The threat seems invalid because the invasion never happens. However, when Merlin…show more content… Even after Merlin arrives and predicts that he will be “the King of all Britain” (216), Ambrosius waits five years before deciding to invade. His patience turns out to be the biggest contributor to his success, as he waits until the moment when Britain is in turmoil between the High King, his sons, and the Saxons, and can consequently easily take over the country. Another example of how Ambrosius’ patience contributes to his success is his decision to let Merlin discover that Ambrosius is his father on his own time, and not when Ambrosius first realizes it. Later, when Merlin has his vision of his mother and Ambrosius, he confesses that he has known since the day they first met. However, due to his patience in telling Merlin, Merlin has already built respect and love for Ambrosius, and the relationship is not forced because Merlin does not regard Ambrosius immediately as his elusive father.