Domus of Caius Flavius Crassus

[Lord Kal]

As you enter the fairly unassuming-looking Domus in the heart of Rome, you look around the room. You are watched carefully by a number of servants and bodyguards, indicating a cautious (perhaps paranoid) household.

Works of art adorn all the walls, yet the lighting inside is quite dark. There are loud noises outside from the commotion of the streets, the location being fairly unorthodox and the area not being the most desirable.

Despite this, the large amount of security puts you at ease. You see a bust of the man - young, and with his trademark cold, slightly sneering glance. He has built a reputation on his outspokenness, but despite this, in private he is renowned for his reclusive nature and anti-social bent. He loathes publicity to the extent that at all public functions, he and his rarely-seen wife are almost always absent, regardless of the consequences.

[Sir James the Good]

Senator Aquila approaches and knocks on the door of the Domus Flavia. He introduces himself to the doorslave and requests that he be shown to the Senator Crassus.

[Lord Kal]

The doorslave beckons the senator inside and shuts the door behind him. After a short wait, Senator Crassus emerges from a back room.

"Good afternoon, Senator... Aquila, is it? Help yourself to a cup of wine. What was it you wanted to discuss?"

[Sir James the Good]

Aquila greedily eyes the wine and pours himself a full cup.

I wished to congratulate you on being appointed quaestor so soon after your entrance into the senate--quite an accomplishment!

On an unrelated note, I understand your vineyards produce vast quantities of high quality wine. I am looking for something to fill my cellar with and I thought you would be just the person to come to.

[Lord Kal]

You surprise me, Aquila, I had you down as one of the more spartan among our number. By all means, if you contact my vineyards I will ask them to supply you with a barrel or two. A small gift for a fellow senator, think nothing of it.

And I thank you for your congratulations, although what with the war it may prove to be a difficult task.

[Sir James the Good]

Thank you senator. Even a Stoic must allow himself at least one pleasure, lest he lose his mind entirely.

[chaplain118]

Turnus knocks on the doors. It is getting late.

[Lord Kal]

The doorslave answers and, recognising Saevus, leads him through to meet Senator Crassus, who greets him warmly.

"Good evening, friend! What can I do for you?"

[chaplain118]

Turnus shakes some dust from his toga

I think you know why I'm here. Our dear Censor and Praetor's current behaviors trouble me. Did you not see how Scipio flustered when questioned about Falco? Did you not hear the Censor's claim that you are trying to usurp power of the consuls? I read the Constitution, and I have not found the claim that only consuls can control agents. I fear there may be a conspiracy afoot.

[Lord Kal]

A conspiracy is an outlandish statement, Saevus, even if you were privy to the information that I am. I believe I can trust you, however, and so I will bequeath this knowledge to you. Be careful, and discrete. If there really were a conspiracy, we could easily be tried as plotting against the Senate.

A few weeks ago, I visited the home of Lepidus, the Censor. The reasons are unimportant and trivial. Anyway, I noticed that his floor was covered in much blood, and he seemed to want to get me out of there pretty quickly. He claimed it was an accident by a slave, but i'm not so sure. He also stumbled over the name 'Falco' when it came up during a discussion about wine, of all things. And Scipio admitted that it bloody was him I saw approaching the place, cloaked, just after I left.

I can't think what it might mean. And I have faith in the Senators, and do not suspect them of anything terrible. But know this: I will fight to ensure that control of the investigation is taken away from the hands of Scipio and Lepidus. Then once it's results are made available we shall see.

[chaplain118]

I'm sure you have heard of their tale in the Senate house, that it was the blood of a wounded Gaul. But that very claim has me worried. Why would there be a Gaul? They claim Falco was murdered by the Brigands, but a Gaul delivered the news. I'm deeply concerned by these developments.

[Lord Kal]

Have you seen the Gaul? Has anyone, except Scipio and Lepidus? If I cannot respect their word, I have no more reason to believe it was a wounded gaul than an injured olive.

[chaplain118]

There was no lie in their eyes and voices, I am sure of it. The Gaul exists. But the reason for his existence, we need to wheedle out of him.

[Lord Kal]

We must demand that he be brought before the senate, or at least before a Roman court, and quiz him on events, then. Considering he's our only lead, it makes you wonder why Lepidus and Scipio haven't mentioned him much.

[chaplain118]

It would be ill of us to bring said Gaul to court this year. Wait until next year, when the reelections take place. I will run for Praetor once more. We need both Scipio and Lepidus away from positions where they can affect a fair trial. We need the praetorships. I can only pray that this Gaul's health can last until spring.

[Lord Kal]

I would prefer not to wait that long. Any foul play will have it's tracks covered by then, Falco could be killed if he has not been already, and as you say, the man's health is unpredictable. Also, we cannot bank on you obtaining the Praetorship. And in any case, depending on the events of this year, I may not run for Praetor next term. We shall have to question him as soon as possible. I will press for him to be brought before the whole senate or a judicial committee, to limit Scipio's influence.

[chaplain118]

Yes, ask them to present us the Gaul. But do not make it seem like an interrogation. We need this man to tell us the truth, not what we want to hear. Although, what he may say might not be of help to us.

[Lord Kal]

The truth IS what I want to hear. And I suppose if he came running to Rome then we can pretty safely cross him off the list of suspects. We will find out what he knows.

[chaplain118]

How can we tell if this man is not a cover? How can we know if he did not murder Falco and then came running to Rome in an attempt to cover himself? Too many things are of suspect. Too little information. I can only hope that his answers will aid us.

[Lord Kal]

Indeed. I was suspicious that the Censor attacked me, even threatened me with a Nota Censura, for suggesting that I lead the investigation. Then again, he is a paranoid man. With his record - you remember how vehemently he opposed bestowing Imperium upon Consul Balbus - it seems that he is the one with the lust for power, and he attacks anything that jeopardises that which he has.