When he arrived back at his office, Albia was waiting for him, along with an old man, perhaps sixty years of age.

"Aedile, this is Tullius, Tacita's tutor," Albia introduced him.

The aedile held out a hand, which the old man took uncomfortably, as if he was not sure how to act. When Marcus gave his hand a firm shake Tullius looked like he was surprised at the gesture.

"Nice to meet you," said Marcus, wondering why the old man was acting so strangely.

Tullius did not say anything at first, so Albia interjected into the silence. "I asked Tullius to come and vouch for Tacita's character, sir Aedile," she said. "I think he may be of help in snapping her out of what she's become."

Marcus nodded, though the idea seemed somewhat implausible. "Very well, let's hear what you have to say." He shifted his weight back and forth somewhat impatiently, knowing he was running out of time. His soldiers would shortly begin gathering in the hall, and he also had to visit the prison downstairs to deal with Septimus.

And yet another distraction was brewing. Just outside the massive oak doors of the aediles' offices, a breathless Octavius tried to get the guards to let him through.