Chapter 17
by HistoricoPublius
What do you do?
Strong-arm him in private
"Albina," you say, "I find myself parched. Would you mind refilling the wine jug for us? I have some...delicate questions to ask Castor."
Your companion frowns, but nods. "Of course, Gaius." She glances between the two of you, then stands, taking the wine jug, and departs.
Castor frowns at you. "So what - ah!" he yelps as you lean across the table and grab the front of his uniform, yanking him closer.
"Listen here, you little shit," you growl. "I know that in the Legion you may think that you're the glorious cream of the Empire's crop of manhood. But I'll remind you - not gently - that I am a Lord. I come from a wealthy, noble family, and I have a stake in these lands that you and these idiotic generals have so utterly failed to keep safe. So tell me what the legion knows - before I have to do the work to figure out who your family is, who they might owe money to, and how to buy them out and sell them into slavery!"
"I can't!" Castor growls through gritted teeth. "I told you, I'm just a foot soldier! I'm not supposed to know anything, much less tell it to you!"
"Do you have a sister? A mother? I promise you, I'll find a way to get them enslaved and I will sell them to the fattest, most disgusting fucker in Rome. Don't toy with me, Castor!"
"Fine, fine!" You can see a bit of fear in his eyes. "I can tell you roughly where they are - not exactly, though. They're lairing in the rocky hills in the southwestern part of the quadrant. We don't know exactly where, but the scouts have narrowed it down to that region. That's all I know, I swear!"
You look into his eyes and feel that he's probably telling the truth - he's clearly scared of you by now. You release him with a nod, just as Albina starts making her way back to your table. {if Bandit Clues =<2}"Thank you," you say curtly. "You've been most helpful."{else if Bandit Clues > 2}"Not new information," you grunt, "but at least I think you meant to help me, now."{endif} Albina, arriving back, glances between the two of you: Castor shaking, you looking grim.
"Is...everything all right?" she asks.
"Fine," you mutter. "In fact, I think it's time I headed out. Will you accompany me?"
"I...well, of course, Gaius," she says, glancing back at Castor. "Castor, I have to go, it wouldn't do for me to go home alone...but it was so good to see you, I'm so glad to see you're doing well here!"
"Of course." Castor stands and embraces her, though he glares at you as he steps away. "Be careful with that one, Albina. He's...determined." Albina glances at you, frowning, but Castor just nods stiffly and walks off.
"What did you say to him?" Albina demands as you head out into the parade grounds.
"Nothing," you tell her curtly. "We just discussed what I intended to do. He thought my plans to tackle the bandits...overly risky."
She doesn't look like she quite believes you, but she doesn't ask you any more questions as you head back toward the villa.
Time to go, it seems.
The Height of Empire
A Story(game) of Rome
A young nobleman in the Roman Empire sets out to social-climb his way to the top.
Updated on Mar 29, 2021
by HistoricoPublius
Created on Jun 15, 2020
by HistoricoPublius
With every decision at the end of a chapter your score changes. Here are your current variables.
- All Comments
- Chapter Comments