As Lucius staggered away toward the infirmary, additional events developed precisely according to previous arrangements. Flavius, strategically positioned near the main courtyard entrance, discretely observed the scene before silently withdrawing through lateral corridor. His role in the carefully orchestrated sequence was just beginning.
In the infirmary, Servius waited with apparent professional routine, methodically organizing medical instruments while monitoring the door with peripheral attention. When Lucius entered, firmly closing the door behind him, the physician raised questioning eyebrow.
"Successful implementation?" he inquired without preamble.
Lucius nodded minimally, allowing "weakened" posture to relax slightly once they were isolated. Without wasting words, he directed himself to examination table, sitting with controlled movement that contrasted with fragility exhibited moments before.
"Contact established," he confirmed. "Adversary reaction as anticipated."
Servius approached, executing perfunctory examination that would serve as adequate justification for time spent in infirmary. "Specific observations?"
"Toxin applied precisely," reported Lucius. "Absorption confirmed. Antidote apparently effective, as predicted."
The physician nodded with contained professional satisfaction. "Naturally. Identification of specific substances represents particular specialty." He made calculated pause. "My initial evaluation indicates progressive symptomatic poisoning consistent with concentrated cicuta extract modified with certain... specific additions."
Lucius processed information quickly. Cicuta represented relatively common poison, but "specific additions" suggested personalized formulation more sophisticated than standard homemade toxin.
"Probable origin?" he questioned.
"Not easily available through conventional channels," replied Servius, preparing medicinal compress to maintain appearances should anyone enter. "Suggests connection with specialized suppliers. Possibly through spice merchants or... more discrete manufacturers."
This information added additional dimension to emerging suspicions. External connection with sophisticated toxin source suggested broader network potentially involved in apparently simple conspiracy.
"Estimated time for complete symptomatic progression in case of untreated exposure?" inquired Lucius, maintaining strictly practical focus.
"Variable depending on individual constitution," considered Servius clinically. "Approximately four to six hours for severe debilitation. Potentially fatal in twelve without adequate intervention."
Lucius nodded, integrating these parameters into developing calculations. "Sufficient for our purposes."
Servius studied him with renewed interest. "You completely anticipated this scenario."
It wasn't question, but direct observation that Lucius neither confirmed nor explicitly denied. Instead, he simply leaned back slightly, allowing physician to apply compress to superficial wound — medically unnecessary measure, but visually appropriate for external observers.
"How shall we proceed officially?" questioned Servius after moment of calculated silence.
"Diagnosis of temporary exhaustion combined with possible mild fever," replied Lucius. "Recommendation for supervised rest until tomorrow, with periodic reevaluation."
"Reasonable," agreed the physician. "Will allow adequate time for... subsequent developments."
While Servius completed superficial treatment, movement at infirmary entrance announced Marcus's arrival. The lanista entered with expression of genuine concern, studying Lucius attentively.
"Evaluation?" he questioned directly.
"Nothing immediately alarming," replied Servius with perfect professional neutrality. "Apparently physical reaction to intensive training after period of incomplete recovery. I recommend cautious observation and supervised rest until tomorrow."
Marcus nodded slowly, though his expression suggested underlying skepticism. "Symptoms developed remarkably quickly."
"Consistent with sudden exhaustion," explained the physician. "Body frequently reaches limits unexpectedly after periods of sustained stress."
The lanista addressed Lucius directly. "How do you feel?"
"Uncomfortable," he replied, allowing voice to waver subtly. "Unusual weakness, occasionally blurred vision. Nothing experienced previously."
Marcus studied him intensely for several moments, clearly processing information beyond what was explicitly presented. Finally, he nodded briefly.
"You'll remain under medical observation until complete recovery," he decided. "Unfortunately, this will possibly delay initial meeting with Tribune's specialist."
"Inevitable," commented Servius. "Current condition absolutely contraindicates specialized training."
"Naturally," agreed Marcus. "I'll inform Quintus and make alternative arrangements." Addressing Lucius again: "Rest adequately. Servius will monitor progress regularly."
After brief additional hesitation, the lanista withdrew, leaving physician and patient isolated again. As soon as door closed completely, Servius allowed himself minimal smile.
"Impressive control of fictitious symptomatology," he observed. "Almost convinced me, despite prior knowledge."
Lucius didn't respond directly, maintaining attention focused on next tactical steps. "Privacy guaranteed for extended period?"
"Absolutely," confirmed Servius. "Formal medical orders rarely questioned, particularly regarding valuable investment. Besides, specific arrangements have been implemented to guarantee appropriate isolation."
Nodding minimally, Lucius leaned back on examination table, apparently settling for prolonged recovery period. Internally, however, his mind worked with absolute precision, calculating probable event sequences in coming hours.
The plan progressed exactly as projected. Now, only remained waiting while Flavius executed critical second phase of preparations.
In the training courtyard, real weapons session had concluded without additional significant incidents. As gladiators gradually dispersed to subsequent activities, Macro and Sven found opportunity for brief conference in relatively isolated area near temporary arsenal.
"Apparent success," murmured Macro, discretely checking proximity of potential observers. "Symptoms developed more rapidly than anticipated."
Sven allowed himself satisfied smile, unconsciously touching remaining facial contusion. "Supplier guaranteed exceptional potency. Apparently didn't exaggerate."
"Still, unusually accelerated progression," observed Macro thoughtfully. "Initial expectation suggested gradual development over hours."
"Possibly more vulnerable constitution than appearance suggests," proposed Sven dismissively. "Regardless, final result unchanged."
Before they could continue discussion, Flavius's approach interrupted conversation. Marcus's lame assistant walked with characteristic slight difficulty, worried expression evident.
"Disturbing news," he announced without preamble, apparently oblivious to potentially private nature of interrupted conversation. "Lucius presents extremely concerning symptoms. Servius requested additional assistance immediately."
Macro and Sven exchanged quick glances before the former responded with studied casualness. "Unfortunate, certainly. Specific nature of condition?"
"Still uncertain," replied Flavius, apparently completely unconscious of any subtext. "Servius mentioned possibility of contamination or unknown toxin. Extremely unusual, apparently."
Specific mention of "toxin" provoked momentarily visible tension in both conspirators, quickly suppressed.
"Surprising," commented Macro neutrally. "Possibly inadequate recent nutrition?"
"Unlikely," contested Flavius. "Sudden development during specific session suggests immediate trigger, not progressive condition." He made significant pause. "More concerning is possible connection with minor wound sustained during exercise."
Sven paled slightly. "Mere accidental scratch. Insignificant."
"Apparently not," replied Flavius with apparently genuine concern. "Servius examined scratch specifically and expressed significant alarm. Mentioned possible contamination through substance on blade."
"Impossible," declared Sven categorically, though his voice betrayed growing uncertainty. "Weapons maintained in perfectly sanitary conditions."
Flavius shrugged diplomatically. "Merely reporting professional medical observations. Particularly relevant considering..." he left sentence deliberately incomplete.
"Considering?" pressed Macro, unable to completely suppress emerging alarm.
"Questions raised about distribution procedures," explained Flavius hesitantly, as if reluctant to share potentially sensitive information. "Apparently, discrepancy noted in arsenal records. Specific weapon possibly not originally designated for current session."
This revelation provoked visible reaction in both conspirators — alarm quickly replaced by attempt at forced neutrality.
"Administrative procedures frequently imprecise," commented Macro dismissively. "Documentation rarely reflects operational reality perfectly."
"Naturally," agreed Flavius. "However, in this specific case, additional concern arose due to... unexpected nature of developed condition."
"Meaning?" questioned Sven tensely.
Flavius looked around dramatically before significantly lowering voice. "Shouldn't share information not officially confirmed, but... Servius apparently identified preliminary indicators consistent with specific poison. Extremely disturbing considering potential implications."
Effect of this revelation was immediate and profound. Both conspirators visibly paled, exchange of alarmed glances impossible to completely hide.
"Certainly premature speculation," argued Macro, striving to maintain composure. "Preliminary diagnoses frequently revised after complete examinations."
"Indisputably," agreed Flavius. "However, certain precautionary measures already implemented. Varro formally notified about potential serious incident."
"Varro?" repeated Sven, alarm now completely evident.
"Naturally," confirmed Flavius, apparently surprised by reaction. "Extremely serious potential security matter. Particularly considering special value recently attributed to Lucius by Quintus and influential associates."
Before any additional response could be offered, growing noise of activity near courtyard's main entrance captured collective attention. Varro had returned unexpectedly, accompanied by several armed guards who dispersed rapidly in obviously coordinated formation.
"I must return to infirmary," declared Flavius hurriedly. "Servius requested additional assistance with specific medicinal preparations." He limped away, apparently completely unconscious of informational chaos deliberately sown.
Macro and Sven remained momentarily paralyzed, observing intensified security activity with growing alarm.
"Extremely unfavorable development," murmured Macro finally. "Specific poison mentioned explicitly."
"Possibly speculation only," argued Sven, though without apparent conviction. "Preliminary diagnosis frequently imprecise."
"Irrelevant," cut Macro harshly. "Formal suspicion sufficient to initiate complete investigation. Particularly with Varro directly involved." He made tense pause. "Potential connection with arsenal discrepancy especially problematic."
"Suggestion?" questioned Sven, evident growing nervousness.
Macro considered situation quickly, calculating available options. "Immediate separation. Any direct association at this moment extremely unfavorable. Maintain absolutely normal routine, deny specific knowledge if questioned directly."
"And contact?"
"Temporarily suspended until situation clarification," decided Macro. "Reevaluation after determination of investigation's real extent."
With final tense nod, the two separated discretely, directing themselves to different areas of complex with forced casualness that contrasted drastically with evident internal tension.
From strategically hidden position near peripheral column, Atticus observed complete exchange with intense interest. His expression remained perfectly neutral, though eyes methodically registered each reaction, each revealing gesture, each indication of conspirators' growing concern.
When he finally withdrew silently, no external indication revealed specific conclusions formed. However, chosen direction — rarely used path that eventually connected discretely with secondary access to infirmary — suggested specific destination and deliberate purpose.