Lords of War

[Malkaer Andares]

Timestamp: 26th Brightening of Cryxatum in the season of Summer; Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.

Once their sparring contest had been concluded Malkaer had invited Archalen for a private meeting. Main topic of discussion would revolve around a remarkable comment made by the latter during the training session, when the Imperian Thane mused he might be able to help Taralon with a loan. The esh’lahier nobleman was all ears to whatever proposal his sibling had to offer. They agreed to meet one candle mark before Pracenda, giving each plenty of time to wash the sweat of their bodies and switch into more suitable clothes. After business there was the opportunity to discuss lighter matters over dinner. Location of the meeting was the Thanal Residence to offer a more private setting than Malkaer’s office.

A middle aged esh’lahier butler awaited his master’s relative in the reception hall.



Location description

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen had cleaned and showered, and upon his lithe alabaster skin was adorned a simple brown undershirt with an open collar white gentlemans vest. His legging was both comfortable and cool being a set of thin brown breeches with a belt to hold his dagger. His black knee high riding boots were shined to perfection as his hair was tied back loosely as well. He didn't know why he hadn't cut his hair in so long, perhaps to try something new? He arrived at the Thanal residence a few minutes before the appointed time and took a slight amount of time to fuss over any sleeve or pant leg that might not be presentable. That being done, the Thane of Imperia entered past the gate of the residence, having casually shown the guards there his Visa and so forth.

Walking towards the butler, Archalen bowed a slight bit and waited to be presented to the master of the house.

[Malkaer Andares]

Emaedran bowed deeply before another son of Astartus and opened his mouth to welcome him, but the voice that resonated through the reception room was not his. "Ah there you are. Welcome Your Grace." It came from the balcony overseeing the hall, where Malkaer watched down upon his brother. He was dressed in a robe of a dark red hue- the colour of (humanoid) blood. It was decorated with silver embroidery, while his gloves and carpet slippers matched the main pattern. The black belt was heavy with silverwork as well. It carried a curving, cruel looking dagger which had caused the small horizontal scar on Malkaer’s face. Unfortunately it had lost its prominence ever since his bigger vertical brother sired the esh’lahier’s face from the forehead down to the cheek.

With languid moves the esh’lahier descended the stairs. While at first a smile had played on his lips, it disappeared as he came down. He bowed slightly when he stood before Archalen, any physical interaction of course strictly forbidden. Malkaer was not sure how much Ethgan'torian etiquette his brother adhered so he did his best to abide by its rules. For himself he knew his interaction with humans had severely spoiled his manners and realized he must act like a buffoon for anyone living in Ethgan’tor. Anvael was even worse of course. "Follow me to the library please. We can speak there uninterrupted." Malkaer thereby turned to the left corridor leading the way to the library, whilst the butler followed behind Archalen.

The Thane's private library had a very classic look. Heavy oak furniture and bookcases reaching up the ceiling filled the room. Not a very good choice considering Sherian's climate, but no doubt the policy of integrating the province into the Empire had played a role. It was the entire reason of why Taralon was built and the Thanal manor also served this role as one of the prominent buildings of the city.

Malkaer did not take place behind his desk (where he actually spent relatively little time), but instead seated himself in an armchair which stood before a small table. He gestured his brother to take place in the chair that opposed it. "Would you like a drink my Lord?" Emaedran asked.

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen quickly bowed towards Malkaer as he came down the stair case. As regal as ever, it was perhaps here that Archalen truly understood what kind of life he could have been living all these years, if he had indeed known his true ancestry. It angered him a little, but also made him grin for now he was an Andares, with full benefits and privileges afforded. Of course, he would have to work toward maintaining the image of it all; having lived as a peasant for nearly a century and a quarter. How noble Malkaer looked in his dress and manner and that a Thane of Imperia should stand out so. Truly, he would invest some time in a new wardrobe and a few crowns in the lifestyle and mannerisms of the elite.

"Your Grace" Archalen replied curtly. Refrain from physical interaction was not only proper here, but most welcomed. Indeed Archalen still retained the social gestures of the White City but beyond that the Thane of the West was not one to touch and have contact with others. No, he needed....sometimes demanded..his own personal space. Following behind his newly discovered relative he observed the whole of the Thanal Residence, wondering how any Thane could afford peace enough to have a residence outside their office. How backwards and primitive it must seem! That Archalen live in the office he worked in. Of course, Imperia nearly demanded it with its constant danger and need for watching over. Taralon.....Taralon must be very different he concluded.

And yet, here too were dangers. Of a green kind, no doubt, which was what the two were here to speak of. Taking the proffered seat Archalen grinned and replied to the question of drink; "A glass of the local wine....if you could be so kind. If nothing else, I have been known to ......settle for a nice glass of tea" He said with a quick grin. Archalen did not know if Taralon produced wine like Imperia, but if so then he would enjoy sampling some. Looking at his counterpart, Archalen inclined his head with a raised eyebrow. "To business then?"

[Malkaer Andares]

What Archalen did not know was that his brother had also lived the majority of his life as a commoner. Moranor had secured the House’s entrance into the Imperial nobility just a decade ago. Only these last few eras Malkaer had refined his posture, mannerism and dress. It could be argued whether the scarred elf was just skillful at adapting to new situations or if he had always carried dignity in his blood. The son of Astartus insisted on the latter, but he knew deep inside it was only half true.

He had a complicated view of the old Aelyrian nobility. On the one hand the elven lord respected them for their cultured taste. On the other he envied them because they had something he could never attain: a noble history. Lastly the former Alyssan also despised the old nobility for giving up their military power. Malkaer did not have respect for an unarmed person. A noble without a sword was only a noble in so far those with swords allowed him to be.

The host smiled wryly at his brother's drink request. "We don't have much of the local brew", Malkaer would not go so far as to call the grape based alcoholic beverages of Sherian wine. "It is rather crude compared to the Charismean wines of Enamoria or even the Nuryondi's from Prime, but my taste might be biased as I grew up with the soft whites from Ieffreon. I guess some people consider the Sherianites to have 'character'."

"Emaedran, do we still have one of those Fireside House reds from 5 Post Fractum?" It was quite the headstrong bugger. Malkaer only drank it to get drunk after he had already downed a few glasses good wine. "I believe we do, my Lord." That said the butler disappeared to return with a bottle which he opened before the gentlemen. Since the wine came from the cellar it still had to reach the correct temperature and could not yet be poured into the glasses.

Whilst waiting they could talk business. Malkaer nodded. "The city government has been reaching out to find a good loan for the manufactory, but we found that traditional institutions such as banks consider it a risky investment. Not particularly because they doubt the project itself. They just fear the repercussions of the political climate of Sherian itself on business life. It is not that they are unwilling to provide a loan; they just back away because of the size and ask too much interest."

"Taralon needs somewhere between a hundred and hundred-fifty thousand crowns. Can Imperia provide that?" Malkaer asked before delving into the height of the interest.

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen listened to the disappointing news of the Sherian province not having a respectable bottle of import, but all the same the Thane of Imperia was glad for the seeming generosity of his brother and the bottle of vintage. Perhaps when he returned to Imperia he could formulate a plan to import the Arakmatian spirits here, if it was true the local favor was crude. If nothing else, a minor opportunity for business.

And here too, was an opportunity for business. Of no minor importance such as the imports of wine, this was potentially a deal that could be good for all involved. Archalen smoothed his left shirt sleeve absently as he listened to Malkaers so far absent luck at procuring the loan for the manufactory. Now, was a time to have crowns be made. For the shadow elf Archalen, the idea was simple. Grining (which was as near a smile as Archalen ever gave) he looked into his brothers eyes and spoke carefully, and without an air of importance. "Well....Imperia? No, unfortunately they cannot provide the funding you seek. The people that have residence there, the people....I am charged with....are of a cool nature. They will not shed a crown, even in loan...to help others achieve their success." An all too personal observation, if truth was told. "Besides..." the white adorned Esh'lahier gestured lazily "the Imperian people still harbor old grudges against the rest of the Empire....and the institutions of finance there..well..." he trailed off there, shaking his head negatively.

Archalen looked toward his brother, his face a mask of emotion that had been honed since he worked to achieve his Thaneship. "It has never been my....want to be haughty or too flashy in public such as the sparring match I enjoyed earlier. But the truth is......Imperia can not provided you the loan perhaps.....but I, Archalen Andares, can."

Of course, if the Esh'lahier seated across from Archalen knew, Imperia would all too well be helping with this "loan".

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer had never been in Imperia so he had to take Archalen’s word for the nature of its people. From what he heard Imperians were no different than Taralonians or Medonians or the inhabitants of Primus Gaudeo. The rabble at the bottom of the ladder was the same everywhere: pity and vengeful. The nobleman nodded knowingly.

When Archalen had done his say Taralon’s Thane leaned backward in his armchair in thought. Imperia was notorious for both its organized crime and extreme poverty. A wealthy Imperian was instinctively under suspicion. Fortunately Malkaer did not have to answer immediately. The butler had found the Fireside house wine to be on temperature and poured in two glasses for the lords. After a silent toast and a small sip it was time to reply.

Since it was difficult to ask this delicately, he did not. “And how have you, Archalen Andares, come by such a large amount of money?”

[Archalen Andares]

After the butler had left, Archalen accepted his glass and gave it a quick swirl. Pressing it against his lips, he decided to get a smell of the aroma and then have a small sip. It wasn't bad at all, certainly better then anything he had expected. And then, the business of how he suddenly became wealthy. Well, the Thane wasn't necessarily surprised by his counterparts question, but hadn't been expecting it none-the-less. Taking a dileberate moment to gather his thoughts on the matter he looked to his brother and replied very plainly.

"Investments...mostly. Imperia has been ravaged by disaster not so long ago. With the ample....oppurtunity to invest a few crowns for the good of rebuilding, I took it upon myself to see it happen. Of course,..""I did lose some capital. But thankfully my gamble in putting my own monies to use for Imperia....has paid off thus far." Archalen took a moment to judge the reaction of Malkaer on this. Of course, this fabrication was for his brothers protection. It was truly Imperian crowns that would be used, or laundered, through the loan here. And when the time had passed to recall the loan, it would be going to Archalen instead of Imperia. For security and his families good name, it was important for no one but him to be involved in the knowing of this. If found out, only Archalen could be held responsible for knowledge of the operation and the rest would be let go.

That is, if it was ever found out. Which would be hard. As soon as Archalen returned to Imperia he himself would go into the Aediles office and make sure the paperwork matched the story. It wouldn't be too hard at all, especially if one of the lower aediles could be.....persuaded, discounted, or unwittingly used. Either way, the operation would go according to plan.

And was there anything wrong with that? Perhaps, and perhaps not. Fortune favored those who dared, and if nothing else then the work he had put into the city thus far justified it. After all, Imperia was most likely one of the dangerous places in the Empire. (and Ioannes knew one attempt on the young Esh'lahiers life had already taken place) No, Archalen thought of it as a bonus. A self "thank you" for all the progressed he had made. And if nothing else, he could always change his mind and send the crowns back to Imperia at the end of the terms.

"Investments such as this" Archalen said with a grin and a polite nod of his head in humility. "Besides, I did have a life....before becoming a citizen of the Empire and Thane of Imperia. In short, I can provide the funds if you....wish. And if not, if that is your wish Your Grace. said Archalen very plainly without emotion. Is an Elf not entilted to the sweat of his brow?"

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer nodded at Archalen’s explanation of his wealth. . “A destroyed city always has a great potential for making wealth.” As odd as that may sound it had a core of truth. In principle he could not care less how his brother had gotten the money as long as it did not bring himself or the House in disrepute. That is why he had asked, to cover himself and the house in so that he could claim to have been lied to if Archalen’s wealth was revealed publicly to be illegally obtained.

The scarred elf nodded again. He too was working extremely hard for a measly Thane’s wage so he saw nothing wrong with pursing a little extra now and then. The weapons manufactory would make him a wealthy man if everything proceeded as planned. “Forgive me for asking my brother. I merely made the assumption from our conversation on the training field that the money would come from the city government rather than yourself.” He slowly inclined his head in apology. “And yes, I do wish to loan from you. How about a figure of 150000 crowns for a period of one era, with the possibility of extending it one additional era, for an interest rate of 5%?” Malkaer asked.

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen dismissed the apology with a languid wave of his alabaster hand. "Please." And with a tilt of his head he continued; "If you were not to ask, perhaps then...I would become suspicious. It is not everyday someone can commit a sum so....large.""You can surely understand...that Imperia is not a city of abundant wealth. And as such....and as a person who lives there, no less...one must be careful to obscure his finances. After all, if word got out that the Thane there had such an amount....well....to put it sufficiently, my brother, I have been beset upon the streets there once and I have no wish to do so again." And that was true, although he never did find out what exactly that fight was all about.

And then came the part that the deal truly hinged upon. For the Esh'lahier in white, at least. "Your terms sound agreeable." At least, for a kinsman. For anyone else though, Archalen would be sure to try to raise the interest at least for security if nothing else. He was not educated in the way of crowns, but had sense enough that a loan so large had the possibility to vanish. But here, he trusted (which was a rare thing indeed, had Malkaer known the Thane of Imperia) his brother for some reason, and thought if nothing else then he would be able to track him down should the loan default for any reason. Of course, that was what investment was all about. Risk.

"However" he said, with a raised hand. "As I said, I simply cannot take the chance of Imperians.....who are prone to taking things not rightfully thiers..." Archalen paused, pondering the irony of the statement and procceded "so I must ask of you to take my word. A gentlemans agreement, of some nature. Placing this in writing would be deterimental to not only my health...should the writing be discovered by some of Imperians nastier citizens, but also surely...my home and security there."

If the offer was not able to be kept on word alone, then the two would have to think another way around this. Of course, it also meant there was a greater risk of the loan simply disappearing. Archalen adjusted his seating in the chair as he would see if his brother understood either the supposed reason or the underlying foundations for the request. And Archalen, not fully knowing his brother, hoped for the former.

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer could easily form an idea of the method by which Archalen had acquired his wealth. Perhaps his brother had started his own construction company which was assigned as many contracts as it could possibly handle by the city government. Both were under control of the same man. Clearly he would not cut out a good figure if such information became public.

If the exact source of Archalen’s wealth was unclear avoiding writing a contract on the loan was another step down the line to shadowy business. Not that the scarred nobleman objected being a shadow elf in heart and soul, but even amongst their race it was rare to find someone with such affinity to the shady business to match himself. If nothing else it was a sign of his kinship with this man. Thankfully they were on the same side, a slightly disturbed Malkaer thought.

“If it is a gentleman’s agreement you seek I will stop speaking as Thane.” The extend to which he was doing so was limited, but clearly if Archalen wished to remain completely anonymous the loan could not be offered to the city directly. “The loan should go directly to myself. You have my word that no one will know its true origin. I could then loan it to the city government or invest the sum in the manufactory directly.” Depending on how much risk he wanted to take. “I could see this structure working, though you should keep in consideration that the two era scenario becomes more likely in this case.” He put forward, seeing if this was acceptable to the other esh’lahier.

[Archalen Andares]

Archalen was glad his counterpart saw the idea with merit enough to proceed with. In his heart, perhaps the Thane knew it was unlikely the one across from him bought that he had earned the crowns legitimately, but of course why should it matter? The very two in this room, Andares both, were soon going to be responsible for an entire conflict in the Sherian province. The Imperial known as Avornmagor was going to raise the army, Malkaer going to build the weapons of war, and Archalen to finance this undertaking. Archalen paused and considered what exactly was happening. Of how a few people would be responsible for what was to come between this army and the orcs. But with neither a sword nor pen. With a mere handshake. Something undefinable, but powerful non-the-less clicked in the young Esh'lahier from Imperia. Something that told him how easy it was to influence events and history. Or was it him? He didn't know, but whatever the case may be he did feel powerful here for the first time in many months.

But of course, history would not know his name had a hand in this. In fact, if the Esh'lahier that sat across from him kept his word, no one would. Like a true elf of shadows, the Andares known as Archalen would never be connected to this plot to destroy the orcs. And of course, Archalen thought the gods would be pleased, for orcs (with the exception of Drzg, the harbor master of Imperia) were unclean beings, tainted with the very worst of trash. And suddenly, Archalen snapped back to the meeting at hand having been unaware his mind was wandering.

"This deal...sounds most agreeable. As far as the length of the loan..." he shrugged "I am neither hasty nor rushful in these matters." As long as, he did get the capital back. "Who knows....perhaps if you loan these funds to the city yourself...you too can make a fair bit in interest yourself." It was possible, as long as he didn't make it too complex or structured too heavily. But that was Malkaers choice in doing. Archalen quickly thought of the logistics of the operation to get the funds from Imperia to Taralon.

"If it pleases you, I can have a mage and armed guard travel from here to Imperia and then simply bring the banknotes here. Perhaps....as quickly as a couple of brightenings?" Archalen took another drink of the wine. "Much preferable to the cycle or more journey between our two cities via horse or carriage yes?"

[Malkaer Andares]

But did the esh’lahier not always play the role in the background? With an invisible hand from the shadows desires were shaped, plans forged, events orchestrated. Although in this case Malkaer was very on top of the situation. Not few times did he consider Anvael and himself to have left themselves too exposed. In his darkest dreams he also thought that they should never have embarked on this risky adventure. As any great strategist the former Enamorian general always held defeat into account. And as a proud man he very much feared this possibility. Even aside from his physical shell, the esh’lahier was uncertain whether his psychological wellbeing could handle the blow of another failure. There was a great pressure burdening him. A feeling of judgement. When Malkaer was measured and found again to be too light, then he truly was too light.

Malkaer nodded briefly and took a sip of his wine. Certainly he would ask a higher interest of the city than he was paying Archalen, but the profit to be gained from that was marginal. He considered it more of an administrative expense rather than real profit. The manner of transport would be the next matter the Taralonian Thane would have brought up if his counterpart did not already do so. Grateful he took advantage of Archalen’s offer to see to that practical point. “Sounds perfect. With a sorcerer within your ranks it can be done in the blink of an eye.” Whilst not without risks, transporting it over land or water would take cycles.

[Archalen Andares]

Timestamp: 33rd Brightening of Cryxatum in the season of Summer; Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.

The courier was both hasty and silent, fully aware of the delicate situation and his growing curiosity as to what lay in the letter he had been told to deliver to the Thane of Taralon. Secret, Important, a matter of the Empires security was what the esh'lahier Archalen Andares had told him. It looked like any ordinary letter however. He was paid a fair amount of crowns for his ignorance of what he was delivering. Striding toward the Residence of the Thane of Taralon, he made his way holding his back straight and his head high. After a few knocks he handed the letter to whomever opened the door and offered a curt bow. Turning smartly, he waited for neither pay nor a letter in return.

Opening the letter reveled a small handwritten note and another small letter that contained banknotes for the sum of 150,000c. Both had thick red wax seals containing a stylized "A" the same on each brothers signet ring. The writing inside was simple, but meticulous in its presentation.

My brother M;

My sincere apologies at the wait for this transaction to finish. To summarize my troubles with the logistics of this operation I soon realized that I had no people capable of transporting towards you at the time I returned to my city. However, I have here the loan you required, payable in two eras at a rate of 5%. I need not remind you of the overwhelming need for secrecy, as we have been over that subject in our pleasant meeting. If you have any other need I can assist you with feel free to contact me.

Your brother;
A.A.

The message was all it needed to be, simple and to the point. And on closer inspection one would notice the letter left nothing to trace back to Archalen; except initials. Of course, most if not all people, knew the Thane of Imperia as Archalen Esgalvith, and disconnecting any portion of himself with the Andares name was simple if the need arose. The crowns were now available to Malkaer for the construction of the manufactory and the two could walk away with exactly what they wanted.

[Malkaer Andares]

Malkaer’s butler accepted the letter silently with a nod in return. The esh’lahier brought it straight to his master who was working in the library. He excused his brother readily for the perceived lateness. Seven brightenings was extraordinary fast to arrange an exchange of this magnitude; especially considering the possibility doubtful source of the money. By any means Archalen had surpassed himself as new member of their house. The Thane ungloved his right hand and regarded his black bones for a moment. Holding the letter in his claw like hand he defied the flame of the candle on his desk. Whilst the nerve endings on his wrist still twitched in pain Malkaer knew that the hand itself was impervious to the fire. The letter was not was soon turned into ash and the read seal molten into the ashtray. The banknotes were kept in a secret drawer in the Thane’s grand desk. Next brightening he would have the sum credited to his bank account and loan a part of it to the city.