Show him Martina's bracelet.

The huge man turns toward you and, letting out a bellow, charges. You dodge his massive maul - just barely - and wave an arm desperately, trying to get him to pause.

"Brutus! Stop! It is Brutus, right?"

"What's it to you?" Brutus snarls. Hefting his maul again, he whirls it above his head, preparing to strike. You hold up your arm, desperately displaying the bracelet that Martina gave you like a charm to ward off his attack.

"Look, Brutus! Look what I'm carrying! I bear a message from Martina! I know your lover!"

The huge man pauses, squinting at your wrist. Around you, the battle is slowing - your men are winning. Even if he turns on you now, this distraction might have been enough...but you press on. "I know of your love for Martina, Brutus. She's a **** on my estate. She asked me to try to spare your life, and I promised that I would; that's why she gave me this bracelet. Don't throw your life away, Brutus! You and Martina could still have many years together, but only if you stand down now. I'm in charge here - I can see to it that no one knows what you've done."

Brutus stares at you, scowling. "You're the Lentillus man, eh? But then Martina is your ****..."

"I'll free her." It just pops out of your mouth without you thinking about it - perhaps not the most economical decision, but nonetheless you've made it now. "Put down the hammer, surrender now, and I'll not only spare your life, I'll free her - aye, and I'll give her a small purse for the two of you to start a new life together." Cautiously, you put out a hand, offering friendship. Brutus is still coiled tightly, like a massive bear deciding whether or not to charge. "Don't take the fool's risk and die, Brutus. Join me, and live. You have my solemn word, on Jupiter's bolts, that I'll free your love and ensure your safety. Trust me."

Brutus stares at you for a few seconds that seem to last forever. Then, at last, he lowers his hammer. "I don't trust you," he growls. "But I do trust her. And her judgment." He holds out his hand, and you grasp it. His strength is clear - you feel like he could crush your hand. "If you try to betray us, Roman princeling, I'll kill you. Your men might get me next, but I'll make sure you die."

You swallow. "I have no intention of doing so," you promise him. Around the two of you, the fight is over - you've won, again. Most of the bandits (and, unfortunately, a few of your men) are dead, and the rest are being taken prisoner by your followers. Brutus sighs as he looks about.

"So much needless destruction," he murmurs, clearly to himself. "Ah, well. Good luck to you, Lentillus. I'll await you outside...ready to flee for my life if you should fail."