[Malkaer Andares]

“Vedui Anvael.” Malkaer nodded at Anvael and took a long look at Archalen’s face. The noble lines of his jaw and forehead. Politeness prevented asking the Thane of Imperia to walk a round, or engage in a fight, for these movements told volumes about one’s heritage. The colour of his eyes was somewhat plain compared to the usual violet orbs of the Andares, but Malkaer took more of his mother as well. The scar was a reminder of the former soldier’s own facial deformities. “Serale I am Malkaer Andares, brother of his Imperial Excellency and Thane of Taralon.” Technically he and Anvael were half-brothers.

“A liar?” The elder esh’lahier repeated his little brother, frowning because of the suggestion but more so because it was said bluntly in the face of another Imperial official. “May I see that ring?” Malkaer asked whilst seating himself in another chair in the office. Once given the esh’lahier turned it around to watch all sides of seal ring. Then he pulled the silver ring from his left ring finger and started comparing the two. After a minute or so and some shuffling around he passed them to Archalen. “Interesting. Mister… Esgalvith… can you tell me which of these rings is yours?” A difficult task indeed, for they were identical safe a small imperfection in Malkaer’s caused in one of his many fights.