[Archalen Andares]

TS: 28th Brightening of Optia. Era XIV.

It is not so much our friends help that helps us as the confident knowledge that they will help us."
-Epicurus

(Following: Imperia Heeds the Call )

News traveled fast, and ultimately reached the ear of a sympathetic Thane on the far fringes of the Empire. On the other side of the Empire one elf found the terrible news of the people of Archadoon, a fate that was not unlike the one Imperia had suffered in recent time. The beleagued citizens of Archadoon were besieged by disaster, both thinned and smothered by uncontrollable fires and chaos. The Thane of Imperia, Archalen Esgalvith, heard told that anarchy and disaster had hit so sudden that the city there itself was wholly unable (despite noble efforts of its people) to withstand the fires that eve.

Many scores had perished, some fighting to control the flames and others from giving their life's so others may live through. Archalen had been alone shortly after the courier and intelligence officer had delivered the news and it struck him so that tears welled in his eyes. The initial report, exaggerated or not, was fearful.

So it was no surprise that the Shadow Elf and Thane took the actions he did shortly after hearing the news. Immediately, he went to his project the Imperian Trade depot and informed the men there of the news. He had called a meeting for all to show up, mostly just the workers who were on hand but also the odd and curious Imperian citizen who passed by heard as well.

"My fellow citizens,....a grave and dire attack has beset our fellow Aelyrians of Archadoon. They have been routed by fire, a disaster that was...not totally unlike our own only a short time ago. It is our duty, and our obligation to see that they, unlike ourselves following the fire night, receive the aide and support they so desperately need. We stood alone,....with no assistance when our time of need passed. We alone bared and shouldered the horrific task...of rebuilding and surviving. Imperians! We must not...turn a blind eye toward those who need us now! We must not hold grudges or old hatred for our fellow countrymen. They are....in their time of need and Imperia is ready, able, and willing to assist them! What say you!? Do we hold off, being....rendered so impotent by past events or do we press forward to aide our countrymen? To show them that the....New Imperia is one of strength, one that is not only capable..of...destroy our enemies, but to rebuilding our friends?"

The cheers from the crowd re-affirmed his spirit. It was their duty as members of the Empire to help, no matter what happened in brightenings past. And so, that very day the Imperian Trade Depot was re-organized to a rescue base with workers loading up carts of supplies and checking equipment. They would sail off that very darkening and make it around the empire to Archadoon. They would press on fast, taking the high seas as quick as possible for very lifes were on the line! A few miles from the destroyed city they would disembark, load the wagons and take the last stretch by land. Included in the group were a contingent of laborers from the government buildings and Lord Esgalviths private businesses. Also was an official government entourage and a few tradesmen. The group was few, but it was more then Imperia could spare. Likewise the provisions they brought would likely be compared as meager to what other cities could provide, but for Imperia, still growing itself after no one helped them rebuild following the night of fire...it was all and then some what the city could spare. The wagons included;

Secrets : misc. building supplies misc. medical supplies misc. tools ~and~ 20 cords of wood 12 carts of stone 1000 feet of rope 50 shovels 50 pickaxes 25 hoes 5000 nails 70 horse shoes 35 horse collars 50 hammers 50 chisels 100 large assorted animal hides 50 large leather hides 30 large heavy blankets 50 light bed rolls 50 small mess kits 40 torches 10 splint sets 2 wagons of salted porks, meats, and fish 3 wagons of dry rations 1/2 wagon of charcol, fire wood 100 sq. ft of cloth 20 packs of guaze 20 kettles 30 oil lamps

And so the caravan came into the ruined town. A tall Esh'lahier elf named Iternus was on point. Two people walked behind him, one carrying the flag of Imperia and the other the standard of the Empire. The group would hopefully be a welcome sight here. The line of wagons stopped and Iternus annoucned to whoever was passing by, or a guard should there be one at the gate. "Greetings Citizens of Archadoon. Lord Esgalvith of Imperia brings relief for the noble city of Archadoon! Who is in charge here so that we may begin help?"