Claudia Varena and the eastern witnesses remain at the records stall, while Marcus stands beside Valeria in Decimus Severus’s office. The certified packet lies open on the desk.
Decimus Severus
Here is the reference to the fighter who refused a formal statement. Her name is recorded, along with the school she left.
Decimus turns the tablet so its cramped lines face Valeria. Her clean cloth dressing remains wrapped over the irritated palm, and Marcus watches the record without touching it.
Decimus Severus
The former school lies beyond the arena district, near the road toward the outer yards. Her last known lodging was there, under another household’s protection.
Decimus Severus
Marcellus may hear of this inquiry before a magistrate receives the file. I can give you the name and whereabouts, but no escort and no command.
Marcus Flavius
Then the choice remains hers. We can seek the witness lawfully, or carry the packet directly to the magistrate and risk losing her testimony.
Decimus places one finger beside the name and waits. Beyond the office, the Colosseum’s distant crowd rises and falls, while the sealed evidence rests within reach.
“"We must move swiftly to secure this witness before she disappears. I don't expect to encounter Marcellus, but if he interferes, he is welcome to try his luck with a sword."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Agility, rolled +2)
Valeria Asiaticus
We must move swiftly and secure this witness before she disappears. If Marcellus interferes, he is welcome to try his luck with a sword.
Marcus Flavius
Swiftly, yes. Recklessly, no. We take the lawful road, keep the packet sealed, and let his conduct condemn him.
Decimus gives them the witness’s name and lodging. Marcus leads Valeria through the Colosseum passages and out toward the outer yards, avoiding delays and crowded gates.
They find the former fighter at a modest household near the road, a wary middle-aged woman with a sturdy frame, dark braided hair, and a faded ochre tunic.
The Former Fighter
I was told no magistrate would protect me. Marcellus’s men came once already. Why should I trust this inquiry?
Valeria Asiaticus
Your statement will be recorded, witnessed, and carried with the complaints already sealed. You decide what you say, and you remain free to leave.
The woman studies the seals, then steps beneath the household’s doorway for privacy. She agrees to accompany them to Decimus and give her account before witnesses, secured without force or patronage.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure the former fighter's testimony for the magistrate
✓ Quest Accepted
Bring the former fighter before Decimus Severus
“"I am already here to protect you, and will not desert you until you are in safe hands. Let's go."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Oratory, rolled +3)
Valeria Asiaticus
I am already here to protect you, and I will not desert you until you are in safe hands. Let us go.
The former fighter studies Valeria’s steady gaze, the sealed packet, and Marcus’s silent presence. Her guarded posture eases, and she steps fully from the doorway.
The Former Fighter
Then I will trust what is witnessed, not what is promised. I will come, and I will give my account before Decimus.
She gathers a dark wool mantle and locks the modest household behind her. Before leaving, she identifies the man who visited her as Marcellus’s steward, named Herennius.
Marcus Flavius
That name belongs in the packet. We will report it as your testimony, not treat it as proof beyond your knowledge.
With the witness walking between them, Valeria and Marcus return by the lawful road to the Colosseum. No one presses her for more than she chooses to say.
Decimus Severus
You have brought her safely and preserved her choice. Bring the packet inside; her statement will be entered before the witnesses and sent onward under seal.
Quest Complete
Bring the former fighter before Decimus Severus