[Archalen Andares]

In truth, Archalen was not a member of the Empire when the infamous Julos sought to usurp and take power. Sure, he had heard some minor details here and there, but the situation as a whole with that episode was never imparted to the Thane. So, nodding but not very interested in the history of the Julos incident or its implications, he let the Judicator ask his questions.

And what questions he had! Archalen listened and made a mental note of each question as it came. There would be much to tell, but only so much time to tell it in. "Well.....allow me to start from the beginning then." the Thane replied, taking a small sip of brandy. "Shortly after I came to Imperia there was a meeting set by our most respected Justicar, Dzrg. He sought to form a functioning government....that worked." Archalen swirled his glass, remembering how much he had grown since that short time ago. "Its almost funny in fact..I came to the meeting but honestly had no plans to sign myself up. But something pulled at my heart, something told me I had a responsibility to step up. So I did. I was put in charge of the committee and shortly after went to meet my now mentor Palacrisis, who subsequently made myself Thane."

"As far as the old council goes..." Archalen continued "It was never around when I came on board. Only later did I learn....that Thanes here have had a historically different role. There was not much public outcry at electing and installing a Thane as the cities ruler,...but the Imperian people at that time had long given up hope for any functional government." he said with a grin. "The council had gone missing for quite some time before my arrival to the city....so it is no surprise that I encountered little resistance."

Archalen looked to Ravaska briefly and wondered if she was Sel'Rakrya. He wasn't able to tell so he gave up the thought and moved on. "Of course....there has been small pockets of resistance to my rule here. Mostly....unorganized pockets, but its nothing we haven't overcome. I sought to destroy them.....not with force but with good works. It is my belief....that most of the old council members and their people....have seen that my being here is a positive event, and not one to fight against." Archalen knew that was probably a lie, but truthfully he didn't know why their hadn't been more resistance.

The Suns, despite their decline of help didn't resist him. The old council members did not resist him. In fact, there was almost no one who had resisted him except for the Imperial Insider paper staff. And they had given up as well. There was pride in it, but it was almost too easy. He thought about that for a second. The young politician and nobleman knew he had either been extremely lucky, or somehow made a haphazard amount of moves that somehow worked to his favor without him knowing. Either way, he was glad for it.

And then Parreyon mentionted that this might be the reason the Suns had decliend forming an alliance with the government. Truthfully, this had never crossed the esh'lahiers mind. It fit, and as he thought about it the nobleman thought it was likely true. He had known the Suns had someone on the council, but surely he didn't think their decline of aid was politically motivated. Ah well, so much for that. They had missed their chance for prosperity. Archalen had no intention at all to re-instate the council and should even the slightest idea of it rise in the minds of Imperian citizens, he would make sure it was removed quickly and entirely. This city would have no more bickering councils, nor citizen kings. From now on as long as Archalen Andares was thane here the city would always have an Imperial style of government. After all, he was a part of it.

But for how long he wondered? The young shadow elf had been thinking of moving on for some time now. He had rebuilt the city almost single-handedly and knew that much to his disappointment his work here was nearly done. He had accomplished all that he sought to while he was Thane here. He had made a name for himself, put himself in a better position socially, and made a difference within the Empire. The young thane knew that he would soon move to bigger endeavors, but as of now the exact move escaped him. He didn't want to be a part of local government anymore. He had done that well, and now it was time to move upwards. He wanted something exciting, but something where he could still make a difference. He wanted something interesting and as exciting as rebuilding Imperia had been. Ironically, he wanted to be part of something like the Sel'Rakrya, but in fact he did not know this. Bringing himself back to the meeting at hand he took another drink and attempted to answer the Judicators other questions.

"Well.....I did not grant the Suns a continued existence per se..." he said rubbing his chin. "Sure I let them continue operating but I had never gave them the blessing of the city to continue. I suppose I've had a 'mutual understanding' with them. One that goes without words." And oh yes, that was certainly true. However it was completely different then the good context he had put it in. "However..." Archalen said, pouring his guest another drink should they be so inclined "since that time the city under my leadership has rebuilt the guard, militia, prefecture, constable's office and all aspects ....of justice. This is why I say they are no longer needed."

Archalen waved an alabaster arachnid arm in gesture. "Of course, the....help they provide is always more then welcome. But times change.....they have served us well, Judicator, you may be proud of your Imperial Suns." Archalen said seriously.

Moving on, Archalen now had some questions of his own. He was had questions he wanted to ask. Delicate questions about what had really transpired on the Isle of the Crown. Godah, the Ebon Watch who had made Archalen a Watch member like himself, had told the Thane of threats that faced the Empire. Ever since that conversation Archalen had been curious as to how that situation progressed. The Thane knew Godah had worked for the Ministry of Justice and as such it was likely safe that this Katta, Parreyon had employed him. Of course, Archalen wouldn't endanger Godah should the katta before him not know. Archalen needed something that would test and see if the Judicator knew about the Watch, only then could Archalen trust him to openly speak of such things.

Without thinking of anything that could be used as a hint, Archalen asked "Tell me Judicator, a short time ago a Dorin, a friend of mine, stopped by here. He informed me....he worked for the Ministry of Justice. One of his hobbies was watching the ebon starlight of the sky. Do you know of him?"

It was clumsy, but Archalen had to know of the events Godah had mentioned.