Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Curse of Darkness IV - When in Rome...
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5910103" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Hail Caesar!", cried the captain of the guard, raising his hand in salute.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I'm not really Caesar.", Penn corrected him, making an effort to use his own voice. "Here, check for yourself.", he added, placing the man's hand on his horns, hidden from view by the illusion but perfectly obvious to the touch.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I assumed his appearance to try and draw the assassins' efforts away from Markus Octavius.", he explained. "And it seems to have worked. But that doesn't mean that Caesar is safe. The enemy are impersonating guards. Have your men search the palace. Work in teams, and if you meet a guard you don't know, personally, hold them."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Hail Caes... Good plan.", the Captain caught himself. The next few moments were occupied with him assigning search teams.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">There was a disturbance from beyond the gate at this point, as a torch bearing crowd approached, lead by Senator Denius and his personal guard. He was obviously upset.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"May I?", Penn asked the Captain in his best wheedling voice. "Just for fun?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The Captain looked aghast at the idea, but didn't say anything, so Penn simply struck his most Imperial pose and waited.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"This man tried to kill me!", Denius thundered. "He's the 2nd in command to General Calvinus, and says he was under orders. I demand that you call an immediate session of the Senate. Tonight!"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn tried to maintain his composure, while the Captain of the guard stood slack jawed, swiveling his head back and forth between 'Caesar' and the Senator.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Isn't that your job?", Penn asked, trying to impersonate Caesar's voice while simultaneously squelching a belly laugh. He failed at both.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Wait a minute!", Denius cried in shock. "You're not Caesar! Captain, arrest this imposter!"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn gathered himself and waved off the Captain, then dropped his disguise. "I'm sorry, Senator, and I humbly beg your forgiveness. My name is Penn', and I was playing the part to confuse the assassins who sought Caesar's life this night. As for this man, shouldn't he be tried by the Priests of Themis?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Well, yes, but..., wait a minute? Why are you giving orders?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I'm not, really. I was just asking about the point of law. If the trial is to be held before the Senate, so be it."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The report came back at that point that Caesar had been located, safe and sound, and the entire assemblage began to break up. The mob started to dissipate, and the Senator and the guards went to meet with the Emperor of Rome.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">*** </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I never ordered my Aide to assassinate Senator Denius!.", General Calvinus said to the assembled Senate. "The Senator, Caesar and I were working together to thwart the assassins. Why would I have him killed?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The High Priest of Themis nodded solemnly. He wasn't really a “high” priest, since the senior staff of the temple had been slain by the Vandals, but he was the most senior available, and was barely capable of casting the spells needed to discern truth from lies, even with the help of the sacred scrolls.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Still, his judgment was taken seriously by the assembled, and Calvinus was escorted to the side. He looked satisfied, while Denius appeared frustrated by the judgment.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Gallius, the soldier arrested that night, was the next to stand before Justice.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"My name is Gallius Theus, and I have been General Calvinus second in command for the last 5 years.", he began. "I have served him loyally, and I served him that night when I tried to carry out his clear orders. He told me that Denius was a danger to Rome, and that he was involved in the plots to assassinate Caesar and various members of the Senate. What I did, I did for Rome, under orders from its commanding General."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"So you admit to trying to murder me?", Denius snarled.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Of course. I was following orders."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">There was turmoil in the room when the High Priest slowly nodded. The man appeared to be speaking the truth.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Because the Senate was a public chamber, the companions were there, along with many others. Penn took the opportunity to stand.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"I have no voice in this place, except the voice that you might choose to give me.", he began apologetically. "Still, I ask to be heard. May I speak?"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Caesar waved the Bard forward. </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"It is quite possible that both General Calvinus and Legate Gallius are speaking the truth, as they know it.", he began. "Someone could have impersonated the General, in order to issue these commands, and turn Rome against itself."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"But that's impossible.", Gallius objected. "He knew things only Calvinus and I knew about our time together."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Penn approached the man with a stern look on his face, then whispered, "I'm trying to save your life, you idiot. Don't fight me here!"</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Turning once more to the assembled Senators, he resumed. "Such impersonations are far from impossible. And as he spoke he assumed the form of General Calvinus. Calling up his vocal talents, he made a fair approximation of the General's voice and accent. </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"In the turmoil of that night, this man became the unwitting tool of the assassins. They knew that whether he succeeded or failed, Rome would be denied a valuable servant. There are few men of his caliber remaining, and to execute him is to give the assassins a victory. I say, deny them even this small prize."</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">The men of the Senate were visibly shaken by the words, a speech that many might have expected from Calvinus himself in defense of his trusted officer. The fact that the words appeared to come from the General's mouth added to the turmoil, which was part of what Penn wanted. He waited for the room to settle, then bowed deeply. He wore his own face when he straightened, and few heard his final words of thanks as he left the floor.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"You did great.", Marcus said. "I think you got about half the room, over all."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"It doesn't really matter.", Nedel said. "The final judgment is up to the High Priest. Denius needs his victory, and he can't get Calvinus. Gallius becomes the sacrifice. It's just politics, you know."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">Calvinus was indeed acquitted, and Gallius was found guilty. </span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Let there be a feast!", declared Caesar, "to celebrate our victory over the assassins. On Saturn's day to follow, this man will stand in the arena to face his final fate."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"What will happen to him?", Apellenea asked quietly.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Remember that Minotaur we caught that night?", Sylus asked. "I'll bet he and Gallius end up facing off."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"That's horrible.", the Druidess said in shock.</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">"Not really.", Seeburn said, looking at the disgraced Legate with a professional eye. "He's a career soldier, a veteran of years of the campaign. He looks a bit old, but I'd hate to be that Minotaur. You don't get to be a Legate, and second in command to Calvinus, without learning to fight. He'll make a show of it, if he's smart. And it won't be at this game, but pretty soon he'll win his freedom and resume his post with Calvinus. We'll see him again."</span></span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><span style="font-size: 10px">(finis)</span></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5910103, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]*** "Hail Caesar!", cried the captain of the guard, raising his hand in salute. "I'm not really Caesar.", Penn corrected him, making an effort to use his own voice. "Here, check for yourself.", he added, placing the man's hand on his horns, hidden from view by the illusion but perfectly obvious to the touch.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I assumed his appearance to try and draw the assassins' efforts away from Markus Octavius.", he explained. "And it seems to have worked. But that doesn't mean that Caesar is safe. The enemy are impersonating guards. Have your men search the palace. Work in teams, and if you meet a guard you don't know, personally, hold them."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Hail Caes... Good plan.", the Captain caught himself. The next few moments were occupied with him assigning search teams.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] There was a disturbance from beyond the gate at this point, as a torch bearing crowd approached, lead by Senator Denius and his personal guard. He was obviously upset.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "May I?", Penn asked the Captain in his best wheedling voice. "Just for fun?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The Captain looked aghast at the idea, but didn't say anything, so Penn simply struck his most Imperial pose and waited.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "This man tried to kill me!", Denius thundered. "He's the 2nd in command to General Calvinus, and says he was under orders. I demand that you call an immediate session of the Senate. Tonight!"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Penn tried to maintain his composure, while the Captain of the guard stood slack jawed, swiveling his head back and forth between 'Caesar' and the Senator.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Isn't that your job?", Penn asked, trying to impersonate Caesar's voice while simultaneously squelching a belly laugh. He failed at both.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Wait a minute!", Denius cried in shock. "You're not Caesar! Captain, arrest this imposter!"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Penn gathered himself and waved off the Captain, then dropped his disguise. "I'm sorry, Senator, and I humbly beg your forgiveness. My name is Penn', and I was playing the part to confuse the assassins who sought Caesar's life this night. As for this man, shouldn't he be tried by the Priests of Themis?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Well, yes, but..., wait a minute? Why are you giving orders?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I'm not, really. I was just asking about the point of law. If the trial is to be held before the Senate, so be it."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The report came back at that point that Caesar had been located, safe and sound, and the entire assemblage began to break up. The mob started to dissipate, and the Senator and the guards went to meet with the Emperor of Rome.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] *** "I never ordered my Aide to assassinate Senator Denius!.", General Calvinus said to the assembled Senate. "The Senator, Caesar and I were working together to thwart the assassins. Why would I have him killed? The High Priest of Themis nodded solemnly. He wasn't really a “high” priest, since the senior staff of the temple had been slain by the Vandals, but he was the most senior available, and was barely capable of casting the spells needed to discern truth from lies, even with the help of the sacred scrolls.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Still, his judgment was taken seriously by the assembled, and Calvinus was escorted to the side. He looked satisfied, while Denius appeared frustrated by the judgment.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Gallius, the soldier arrested that night, was the next to stand before Justice.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "My name is Gallius Theus, and I have been General Calvinus second in command for the last 5 years.", he began. "I have served him loyally, and I served him that night when I tried to carry out his clear orders. He told me that Denius was a danger to Rome, and that he was involved in the plots to assassinate Caesar and various members of the Senate. What I did, I did for Rome, under orders from its commanding General."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "So you admit to trying to murder me?", Denius snarled.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Of course. I was following orders."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] There was turmoil in the room when the High Priest slowly nodded. The man appeared to be speaking the truth.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Because the Senate was a public chamber, the companions were there, along with many others. Penn took the opportunity to stand.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "I have no voice in this place, except the voice that you might choose to give me.", he began apologetically. "Still, I ask to be heard. May I speak?"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Caesar waved the Bard forward. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "It is quite possible that both General Calvinus and Legate Gallius are speaking the truth, as they know it.", he began. "Someone could have impersonated the General, in order to issue these commands, and turn Rome against itself."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "But that's impossible.", Gallius objected. "He knew things only Calvinus and I knew about our time together."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Penn approached the man with a stern look on his face, then whispered, "I'm trying to save your life, you idiot. Don't fight me here!"[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Turning once more to the assembled Senators, he resumed. "Such impersonations are far from impossible. And as he spoke he assumed the form of General Calvinus. Calling up his vocal talents, he made a fair approximation of the General's voice and accent. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] [FONT=Arial]"In the turmoil of that night, this man became the unwitting tool of the assassins. They knew that whether he succeeded or failed, Rome would be denied a valuable servant. There are few men of his caliber remaining, and to execute him is to give the assassins a victory. I say, deny them even this small prize."[/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] The men of the Senate were visibly shaken by the words, a speech that many might have expected from Calvinus himself in defense of his trusted officer. The fact that the words appeared to come from the General's mouth added to the turmoil, which was part of what Penn wanted. He waited for the room to settle, then bowed deeply. He wore his own face when he straightened, and few heard his final words of thanks as he left the floor.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "You did great.", Marcus said. "I think you got about half the room, over all."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "It doesn't really matter.", Nedel said. "The final judgment is up to the High Priest. Denius needs his victory, and he can't get Calvinus. Gallius becomes the sacrifice. It's just politics, you know."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] Calvinus was indeed acquitted, and Gallius was found guilty. [/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Let there be a feast!", declared Caesar, "to celebrate our victory over the assassins. On Saturn's day to follow, this man will stand in the arena to face his final fate."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "What will happen to him?", Apellenea asked quietly.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Remember that Minotaur we caught that night?", Sylus asked. "I'll bet he and Gallius end up facing off."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "That's horrible.", the Druidess said in shock.[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] "Not really.", Seeburn said, looking at the disgraced Legate with a professional eye. "He's a career soldier, a veteran of years of the campaign. He looks a bit old, but I'd hate to be that Minotaur. You don't get to be a Legate, and second in command to Calvinus, without learning to fight. He'll make a show of it, if he's smart. And it won't be at this game, but pretty soon he'll win his freedom and resume his post with Calvinus. We'll see him again."[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][SIZE=2] (finis)[/SIZE][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Curse of Darkness IV - When in Rome...
Top