Adolphus steps up to help

Adolphus frowns, leaning in toward the younger man. "Artorius, do you remember the year that your farms were nearly fallow? You didn't know the first thing about crop rotation and had nearly farmed the land out."

Artorius frowned. "I remember..."

"And who helped you out of that gods-forsaken mess?"

The other landlord sighs. "You did, Adolphus."

"That's right." Adolphus leans back. "Same thing with the time you nearly sold your land for half of what it was worth because you didn't realize what that grifter was doing. And the time you were convinced that olive trees would be willing to grow here and almost tore up all your fields to put them in. You would have ruined yourself. And each time, I helped you."

"That's true," Artorius admits grudgingly.

"Well, now I need _your _help," Adolphus tells him. "I know you've got what it takes to be a decent landlord, Artorius. You just need a little guidance. But you've got to understand that neighbors help each other in situations like this. That's the manly thing to do. Come on, lad: step up, and tell us what you know."

You remain silent, watching Adolphus work him over - you'd no idea that they shared so much history. Artorius bites his lip for a long moment, then sighs. "Alright. But you can tell no one where you heard this, understand?"

You both nod silently. Artorius leans forward. "I don't know very much. But I do know that this 'She-Wolf' has a lieutenant named Brutus. Great, hulking man who doesn't talk much. I don't know what he wants, but he wanders the area alone sometimes; I ran into him once when I was traveling. I was alone, unarmed - well, anyway. He robbed me and threatened me with personal vengeance if I ever told a soul he was out on the roads alone. But I knew who he was; I'd seen him once before when the bandits raided my farm."

"Curious," Adolphus mutters, "Why would this bandit be traveling alone and unprotected?"

Artorius spreads his hands. "That I truly don't know. And I'm afraid I've told you all I do know. I've been ashamed of being overpowered by the man - and, I admit, I fear him. But if you can use this information somehow to bring him and these bandits down, I will not regret telling you."

You thank Artorius and exchange a few more pleasantries before standing to head out. It's getting late, and you and Adolphus will be expected at home. As you walk away from Artorius's villa, you turn to the older man.

"I'd no idea that you had been helping him so much. I'm glad I asked you along."

Adolphus just shrugs. "Neighbors should look out for each other, Lord Gaius. The man is young, headstrong - not unlike you in some ways, though not nearly so blessed by either the gods or his parents. I merely wished not to see a neighboring farm fail." He glances over at you. "Do you suppose that his information will be useful?"

"It certainly could be," you mutter. "I'm not sure exactly how, just yet - but all information about an enemy can be useful. You just have to figure out how to apply it..."