Meeting with the Head of the Imperia Suns

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Approved by Dignitias to be GF'd

Kuras of the 4th Cycle of Imperos in Autumn, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV p.f.

Parreyon wasted no time in putting his plan in motion. He was unsure of what to expect from this meeting since he would be the one to remove the Suns from Imperia whether they chose to join him or not. But his desire for them was far greater than a city, his goal was Imperial. After initial reservations wouldn't the Suns want to have an elite status that expanded the whole of the lands instead of a city or province? Besides, Parreyon really did need them to fullfill a bigger objective.

He presented his visa to the soldiers at the compound and made his way to the headquarters. Parreyon remembered the brightening he had received his SunBlade and earned his knight, or officer's commission, from the head of the Suns. Parreyon had given his very life to the Suns, and they had returned his loyalty with their own. He hoped they would do so now.

Once inside the Headquarters of the Suns, he went to the first receptionist he could find. "Seraaa, My name is Parreyon Syndicus, Imperial Judicator of the Ministry of Law. I seek an audience with the Head of The Imperia Suns. It doesn't have to be this moment. I am sure he or she is a busy person. I simply need a time, and I will be ready. Could you pleae help me with this?"

[Ravaska]

She came with him, of course, like she'd been shadowing him for the last season and a half. Ravaska was in a pensive mood, quiet and draped in a long sand-colored cloak that would have made another creature look drab. On her though, it stood out and made the patterning on her face and most notably the black tear markings stand out dramatically. She'd learned through time that silence was the best policy when following Parreyon around. The Cheetari could learn more that way, far more, than bombing him with questions and interrupting his business. Ravaska always felt like she was at a disadvantage to the other Katta in the Pride, because she was tribal and they were raised among humans and what they deemed society. And Parreyon, seemingly understanding this, never seemed to mind when he was off for business and quietly accepted her presence.

She presented her Visa too, annoyed at having to do so because the paper seemed to have far more value than anything else in everyone's life. People would look at paper before they'd look into someone's eyes. She felt that did injustice to the individual, who should be weighed and judged based on the strength of their handshake and the boldness of their gaze.

Parreyon accepted it though... and so she did too without an outward sign of her inner disquiet.

And she followed him, into the headquarters and up to the receptionist. He gave titles, and she waited quietly, knowing they'd assume she was an assistant of some sort, as befitted someone with a title like Minister of Law. Shifting her feet, she carefully kept her head lowered, her gaze unchallenged, and her nature concealed. These were warriors, she understood immediately... and this visit had some importance to it.

[Dignitas]

The Imperial Suns. The premier fighting force in all northern Arakmat. These noble warriors had stood guard over the looming shadows of the city below them for quite some time. Resolute, Dedicated, and hardened were a few words to describe the sun drenched warriors of Ak'dar fortress. They had done everything from catching petty thieves in the marketplaces, stopping cold blooded murders in the street, to even providing aid and medical attention to those who needed it during the fire rain. Truly, they were hero's in a city of villains.

But a dark cloud loomed over the grandiose rebuilt clay fortress that housed their compound. One could notice the archers over the battlements, scanning the horizon as well as their future. Their faces were of hardship, of constant vigil. Two pairs of men atop the gate to the compound trained their eagle eyes on the approaching katta. In Imperia; friend or foe was often hard to tell. But even now there was a dullness in their eyes. Yes, word of their ordered disbandment had reached their ears. They were unsure however....had the evil of the city finally consumed the light that were the Imperial Suns? To shut down forever, and leave their sacred vows? It seemed from every face the two kattas saw, a collective anger and betrayal shown itself.

Up ahead on the ever upward slope of the winding trail that led to the ancient Ak'dar keep which housed the compound of the Suns was a lowered portcullis. A small building lay on the right side of it, obviously the entrance to the compound less one wanted to burst through the lowered metal gate. As the Judicator and his guest traveled closer they could see through the portcullis and to the open fields on the other side. There a well groomed parade ground was kept, with even now two rows of four men going through weapons training. Sweat rolled off their hardened bodies; wearing nothing but clean white pants and a dark tan on their upper torso suggestive of many training days in the parade grounds. They went through moves as an instructor off the side ordered them. Like liquid ice their moves were so cool, so fluid that it was almost eerie. Each one in perfect harmony thrust with their swords, then jumped back a bit then turned right and thrust again. Perfect harmony was not only achieved, but achieved easily. For to be a Sun meant you were the best.

Opening the heavy bronze door that controlled entry into the gatehouse Parreyong and Ravaska could see three figures. Inside were two side by side warriors, gold helmets covering everything but the eyes and mouth. Polished to reflect every bit of the light that hit it, the men's amour was breathtaking. Gold and silver, it was clear this was only ornamental. On the center of the breastplate was a large Sun, artistically styled with two crossed swords in the middle. They both held lances with gold and red ribbons tied to the base of the business end side. Gold and Red, colors of the Sultanate. They also had the legendary Sunblades, those weapons of justice only the true heroes of the order were permitted to wear, reverently attached to their belts. The gold blade gleamed despite the little light inside the office. These two did not move, did not talk. They only watched. As the Suns had watched over Imperia all these eras.

Sitting comfortably between the two at a desk was Private Lightwand. A clean faced girl that seemed to be at ease around the heavily armored men she smiled sweetly greeting the two katta. The news of her eventual loss of livelihood and respect must not have reached this ones ears. "Of course, Sir." she said to Parreyons request to see who was in charge. With a nod to the man at her right, a sharp turn was executed and the guardsmen left his post to and exited the door. Running, he went to fetch the one in charge. It would take a moment, as the compound had been greatly enlarged and developed since Parreyons days here, but it seemed as if the receptionist was allowing a meeting this very moment. So, if Parreyon and Ravaska choose to wait for a minute, the guard would return walking with the one in charge. Hopefully.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

It had come to Parreyon that this was a militant meeting and one between the Privacy of the Suns. Ravaska was not a Sun even if she was serving as his advisor, and Parreyon began to think her presence might be an insult to the established unit he held so dear to his heart. Never would he attempt to insult them or steer away from their objectives. Ravaska must go.

"Forgive me Ravaska, but it dons on me that your presence might not be pleasantly accepted and could infact be constude as an insult. I will ask one of the soldiers to escort you out of the compound. I will meet up with you after this and tell you what was discussed."

Parreyon rose from the seat they offered the two and signalled for one of the Sun Soldiers to come over. "Please escort Lady Ravaska out of the compound. I belive this meeting would be best held one Sun to another."

Parreyon then seated himself again and kept wondering how the Suns head would take his meeting with Archalen which led to the removal of The Suns from Imperia. THe Thane said her would have the notice served as soon as possible. Would Parreyon beat the word or would The Suns be aware of what had transpired. Either way The Suns would find out for Parreyon would not lie to them. He simply prefered they hear it from his own mouth first to eliminat any rumors.

These were his thoughts while he waited. Assuming someone came out to greet him, Parreyon would offer hand shake and a friendly 'seraaa' in greeting. His actions would be formal and respectful towards the superior officer. Would the leader of the famed group come?

[Dignitas]

While they waited the private manning (or in this case, perhaps just sitting) the desk looked to the two and smiled brightly. "It will be only a moment." She was fresh, in the way that young people usually are. After reassuring the two that the meeting would happen this brightening she went back to her duties, obscure, as she simply filled out some sort of form on the table before filing it. The remaining guard didn't move still, picture perfect in his discipline and stillness. He was a young man as well, but very angular with a well tanned arms where visible. He stepped forward sharply at being called by Parreyon and upon being ordered to escort the katta out of the compound nodded solemnly.

He did not touch Ravaska, nor did he move to do so. With his free hand he merely motioned to the door and awaited the guest to exit, upon which he would follow and stand beside her to make sure she did not re-enter. Such were the logics of military men use to taking orders. They didn't ask questions; they just acted. If Ravaska would indeed exit the door he would stand sentinel over her, making sure she did not re-enter. He kept the same posture and rigid statue qualities he possessed only a moment ago outside as well.

Only a moment later the guard that had ran off was back, opening the door that led inside the compound. As the thick door was held open, in came another man. His armor was more ornate then any assembled here. His shining perfectly polished breastplate was golden, with the artistic sun made of silver. A red and gold cape flowed behind him as he entered, contrasting greatly to the black boots. (which held not one scoff or mark.) He strode in passing the guard with short but determined steps. His hair was jet black, cut in a military style and his jaw chiseled from era's of body training. He too had a dark tan. His steel blue eyes flowed over Parreyon and then private lightwand. In his right arm he carried a clutched piece of paper and his helmet, a golden open face helm with long red plumes coming out the top.

He had the subtle motions of purpose, of being a man who was use to being a leader before others. He stood straight and nodded to the Judicator. "Welcome, your excellency. Please, if you would care to follow me." His words were precise and well formed, his sentences short and to the point. His face was calm and polite, despite an obvious hint of anger. And with that, he turned sharply and left, coming out the door that was still held open by the guard.

He led Parreyon across the open parade fields, past the hard training suns. They were now doing push-ups on the soft grass. They counted aloud, yelling as they went up and down. On the uprise they said aloud: "88". From the parade field the Judicator (and Ravaska, should she be present) could see many buildings here. Some, like the barracks and mess hall, would be recognized by the former Sun. Others were newly constructed and more obscured in their purpose. All together however there were around eight or nine buildings sprawled out here in old Ak'dar fortress. There were Suns members everywhere, their eyes alert in scanning. Everyone too seemed to hold a bad mood, it was palpable. If the Judicator made a guess, he would be correct to say news of the Thanes promise had made its way here.

Almost diagonially across the complex they came to their building, the administrative hub of the organization. Double oak doors hung here, depicting Two Suns with crossed arms in stonework above. It was very decorative and more then a bit impressive in scale, as it was life sized. Inside were smooth stone halls that had been recently cleaned and still a little wet. The Commanders boots echoed as they walked the long hallway. Light shown down from above, windows in the ceiling. There were chest high pillars on the right and left of them as they passed. On these pillars were propped Sun Shields with sun blades displayed. About twenty in all, flanking the two as they walked down the hall. Basked in light the two made their way to the office at the end of the hallway. The room was a little large, but not overwhelming. There was a small library on the west wall and a map of Imperia on the right. There was a cache of weapons hung on the wall to the north, pole arms and Sunblades on display here. Two chairs were present opposing a large heavy wood desk. The Sun stood and gestured for the Judicatory to sit, only after he would.

"So, Judicator, how may we help you here at the Imperial Suns?"

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon walked the fortress and was found reminiscing the entire walk. He remembered the struckers as if they were yesterbrightening. The mess hall was the first place he'd ever met Arilyn Darkwood. The tow had a long standing relationship that left the gates of this city and made there way to Port Alyxandrya before she abruptly left his life. Though the loss of his first love hurt, her memories in this place were still pleasant to him.

They walked by the ancient obstacle course where he lead his boot team to victory winning the scorpion team's flag. It was that moment which defined him as the leader of their squad, and he never let go of that leadership role. It had defined him as a mature katta and led him to great things such as his current role as Imperial Judicator.

He remembered the training halls where he received his first lessons in Aelyrian Law. They had reviewed the Annarian Code which wasa memorized to his heart still to this brightening. That too had been a defining moment in his life serving as prefect in two other cities, an Imperial Magistrate, and finally where he was now. So much of his life was due to his being a Sun.

The last place he thought upon before entering the command's building and main office was the open grounds where the ceremony was held for him to become a Knight of the Imperia Suns. He had received his SunBlade at that moment and was told that once attuned, it would adapt it's abilities to the user; thus no two SunBlades were ever the same. He also remembered that not all Suns found out how to attune to the weapon. Few blades were given, even fewer were used to their fullest capacity. He'd often wondered if one could attune to two blades, but the Suns did not teach dual weapon so assumed that it was not possible.

Parreyon was lead into the administration buildings where he had received his first assignment; to find a return to the city, the city senator who had disappeared in the sands during a trip to Arakmat. His entourage had been found destroyed, but the senator's body had never been found. Parreyon led that mission and returned the senator home safely after slaying the group responsible for his capture.

His time of reflection ended when he was finally at the doors of the Leader of The Suns. The Leadership had changed because this was not the same man that had given Parreyon his commision as knight and the SunBlade. He looked no less wise or any less forboding than the old Head Master, but Parreyon held a position greater than the Leader of The Suns. He had met and befriended many of people with great power like the man before him in the Suns Uniform. No longer was Parreyon the intimidated youth and now held a presence that demanded respect. It made Parreyon feel as if he'd come full circle in life from the lad he was in the beginning. It made him feel proud of where he'd come from and who he was.

Parreyon took a seat as offered by The Sun and nodded cordially to the man in greeting. No matter how proud Parreyon felt at this moment, he would not deny the respect the leader deserved given his station. The Suns were a legendary organization in the katta's mind, and leading such men demanded great respect.

"Commandant. I shall get to the point of this entire meeting knowing you are a busy man and promptness has always been a trained belief of The Suns." Parreyon crossed a leg above his other leg's knee and proceded.

"I have come from the Thane's office after a long discussion. Though it saddens me to have had the discussion in the first place, I hope the end result will be far greater than the current path.

The Government has demands which all cities and provinces must yield to. The government model was changed during the reign of Empress Audrey De'Lylles when she handed over the Empress position to her niece, Arabella De'Lylles. All cities were required to conform to the laws of the Articles of Imperium with regard to leadership and politics; from the thanal seat to the constable. The Consul of the Northern Realms made Imperia the capital city and eventually Archalen Andares became thane.

Archalen has done what has been required of him, no matter his rrasoning behind it, by implimenting a city militia, prefect, and constabulary. In doing so, he has also used the Laws of the Articles of Imperium to release you from duty to this city. The Imperia Suns have been asked to relinquish their position in this city and return to the Sultanate from which they were given their orders.

I will not lie, I did nothing to stop this from taking place." Parreyon paused expecting a bit of anger over the topic but unsure if he was going to get it. There were apparent hostilities between Archalen and The Suns, and it might have been possible that The Suns were happy of this release of duty. Parreyon was unsure but only paused for a moment before continuing.

"I have thought on this for some time long before I held any meeting with Archalen. I would like to speak to The Sultan about releasing you completely from his services in order to become something even more legendary than The Suns already have achieved in this city. I would like you to join me in The Ministry of Law, as an elitist group under my direct authority. I would like for The Imperia Suns to become The Knight of Inquisition.

I have within my domain the Sel'Rakrya organization. There sole function is the apprehension of criminals who skip provincial boards in hoipes of evading the jurisdiction of the Justicars of the province they commited their crimes within. The Sel'Rakrya will have authority in all provinces across the Empire and will be above the constabulary, prefect, or justicars across the Empire. But they will be small task forces within each province so if an organized crime unit is found to have too many men for the local Sel'Rakrya and constabulary to handle, I will send The Knights of The Inquisition to take control of the situation and disperse the crimelords present. They will also serve as my personal guard.

This bodes well for The Suns because my residence is no longer in Aelyria Prime but is in Arakmat. This will mean the families of the Suns will not have far to move if they chose to accept this assignment based on my meeting with The Sultan.

I come in to your office to beg you might see this assignment as a far greater responsibility and challenge for The Suns that go well beyond these walls. But I submit to your authority on this. If The Suns do not wish to join me, then I bid those who do not accept a farewell and safe journey. I can only pray the Sultan offer you a duty that rivals at least your current responsibility to which you have gained great fame."

Parreyon stopped there and waited to see which type of man spoke before him; the angered and hurt man, the humble man, or a mix in between. Would he see this as a greater opportunity for The Suns? Parreyon could only hope so. They were a proud unit full of tradition. He knew full well his offer could be rejected.

[Dignitas]

The commander listened to the Judicators words. It was not hid well, his emotions of anger and betrayal. He made no harsh words or even rash outburst despite this. His hands unconsciously tightened and formed balls. He had guessed this was the reasoning for the visit, to make sure the Suns were finally betrayed into leaving Imperia in the grips of crime and violence. After all they had did for this city, there were being tossed out by the government. The government who was led by citizens who benefited from its protection. The boldness of the plan and its audicity, to bring in the Judicitator even, was unbelievable. The Commander said nothing for quite some time after Parreyon finished. Trying to remain calm, and it was hard for the military man, he sighed. His rigid body kept tense as it had been during the speech. He looked into Parryeons eyes, trying to read the Judicator. When the man spoke, it was slow and quiet.

"Your Excellency." he started. "I have served in this post for many era's. I have watched the Suns grow and its members protect the city. I have seen men die in the name of Justice, and have watched thieves being led away in shackles branded with the marks of our organization. I have watched over the city below us, cautious to its politics, but stern and forceful in my duties. I have watched its government change hands over the era's and watched crime rise and fall like the waves of the North Sea. I have faced many battles."

"But I have never been betrayed by my comrades." He said as he looked into Parreyons eyes. "You too, were once a Sun." he said observantly. "A member of our righteous group. And yet, you allow Thane Esgalvith, or Andares...or whatever in the hells his name is to forsake his city?". The commander shook his head in dissapointment. "With all due respect your excellency, I would not trust this elf in what he told you. Are you aware, that he came here and tried to bribe our organization to turning a blind eye? Or that he has a vendette against us for our refusal? You are a Sun, so in that I trust your reasoning for this. However, I must also wonder if you are falling under the trap of his facade as some others have." The Commander markedly managed to express this all without any disrespect, but as a concerned man simply brining his worries up. He cared for his duties, and the vows he took to see Justice through. He did not want to abandon the people of the city below.

"And, should the Suns take your offer, who then will stop the epidemic crime of the city below?" he asked in concern. He did not accept nor disprove the offer Parreyong had given him. He wanted to know the reasons behind this attack first, then he would see if this was an honorable move or not. Tossing the crumpled paper on the table for Parreyon to read he summarizied it.The paper was an exerpt from the Imperial Insiders latest copy, the cease and disist order. "The Imperial Suns, the only thing heading off disorder on the streets below being charged with no less then at least 10 offenses against the law. You must see, Judicator, why I am concerned about all this."

[Parreyon Syndicus]

Parreyon did not get angry in the least bit as the commanidng officer showed obvious signs of frustration over the whole thing. Parreyon might have been mad too if their roles had been reversed. There was a responsibility given to them by the sultanate to protect Imperia. It was ordered at a time when the Sultan served a governor. Parreyon could grasp how they felt they had a right to be here continuing on with their mission.

But this was a new era. Times had changed greatly from then to now. New governors had come and gone and an Empire had evolved after Julos was removed and replaced with Empress De'Lylles. That political shift brought about changes in the stance on which the government operated. The belief was that too many cities felt they had a right to operate independently of the laws of the land.

A part of Parreyon was crushed for he did not want to take away the responsibility given them eras upon eras ago. He remembered his life as a new guy, running through boot camp, training in combat, leading missions, and so on, and so forth. This place held a lot of love for him always. The commander had the entire situation wrongly placed, and Parreyon would tell him the truth of it.

"Commandant, you are wrong to think Archalen andares manipulated me. It was I who manipulated him." Not quite the truth as there was no manipulation going on. both parties seemed to have an acceptance of the agenda ahead. "The laws are quite clear that The Imperia Suns no longer fit within the boundries of the Articles of Imperium. The city has established a proper local militia using proper imperial rankings in accordance with the laws of the land.

There was a time that the two of you might have worked out an agreement to keep you on as the city militia, but that time has passed. I've watched this from afar and knew that the next step for the suns was relinquishment of responsibility without a legal ground to reform. Now I know not what has transpired between you and the Thane, but I do not care. As Thane, he has been given proper control to operate as he sees fit within the realm of the Law.

I came to him to ask for the Suns so that the last decree could not be issued. I refuse to watch the Suns disappear into the horizon never to be formed again. The Suns taught me the law and taught me never to deviate from it. I have done so with due diligence and great honor. Thus my solution allows me to see the Law through without seeing my fellow Suns disappear; and I lose no honor from this.

I have no answers what will take place in Imperia the moment The Suns leave. I have to trust in a system of government and law that is already established and believe that justice will be carried through in your absence. If not, it is my right to come back here and see that it is done. I have long left Imperia alone because I knew the faithful were here. The ones who taught me right from wrong and other words such as integrity, duty, and dedication.

You all leaving does not mean that we forget Imperia. It means we have a wider range of responsibility to the sovernty of the land ... which includes Imperia. More so, we have igher authority with which to perform our duty. Who has more authority in Imperia in this moment, the thane or The imperial Judicator? Who has more jurisdictional rights in Imperia right now, the constable or The Sel'Rakrya? And who will now stand at the side of the Head of the Sel'Rakrya, as the Right Hand of Justice - The Knights of Inquisition formerly known as The Imperia Suns. I take nothing from you by having you leave this city. I give you something far greater by asking you to ride by my side. By helping me do in all cities what you continually accomplish over and over in Imperia. Break down the mental walls of this city that you're confined to and look to a new border, The Imperial Border, as your domain.

I am doing what you taught me by following the laws of this land which have been used against you now. Join me to establish a new dominion of righteousness. There is change on the horizon for all of The Empire, let us effect that change for the better."

[Dignitas]

The Commander nodded as he listened to the Judicator. So it had come down to this, had it? That for so long the spectacle of keeping order, law, and righteousness in this dark city had finally came to a halt. There would be no smiles, no eager handshakes, no. The bright light of the flame that was the Suns was today diminished. And, in truth, the Commander always knew this dark day would come. They had fought against it for so, so long. To push back the dark veil of the city slowly but it's dark arm had finally moved over the Suns. Frustration and betrayl was evident in the heavy eyes of the Commander, a fire within them that contrasted to his dark short cut hair. He would not elude the things he knew he had to say, although he wish he could.

He was a military man, one who was taught not to question orders but to follow them. "I see." he said sharply and very articulatly. He looked around his office for a breif instance, remembering the conversations that had took place here. Celebrations of successful campaigns, solemn talks of grief for fallen comrades, and even idealistic debates on how far their work could be done here. Yes, it had come to this. And what about those below them? The people of the city. The Judicator didn't seem to understand that the city militia simply couldn't protect them down there. Nor this government, honestly. And the fire rain, if it hadn't been for the Suns many more would have perished withouth their make shift hospital and patrols during the near rioting. But, despite all this that the Commandant knew he also knew their was no way out of this. And feth if there was even an honorable way out of this, at least in his eyes. "Judicator." he offered. "I have been sworn to uphold the laws of this Empire as we all have. And indeed, I take those laws very seriously." he said with a forceful nod. "There are however laws more supreme and just then mortal law."

"That being said, our primary task is to keep order." And this perhaps was the only reason the man was going to say what he said next. Parreyons nicieties had little do with his decision, their reputation spoke for itself and they didn't need anyone to confirm it. "I can see we have no choice but to join you in your endeavors. I cannot, in good faith, simply disband my men or our values and goals. I cannot, in good faith, give up all that we have accomplished. And I cannot, in good faith, allow those who conspire against us to win." He said this and looked to Parreyon with force, making sure in no uncertain terms that he certainly thought there were people behind this that were conspiring agianst them. Not that he thought that of the katta before him, of course. And with that, the final chapter in the Imperian Suns would come to a close. All the era's of service to this city the Commander could only hope another would come here, and seek to keep this city safe. Looking to the floor a bit with furrowed eyes he cursed the shadow elf thane that, in his view, was responsible for all ths. "It seems we are in a non-retreatable position."

As he raised his eyes he looked to the katta before him. "The Suns, who are willing, you will have." He shook his head, obviously not happy about this. "What choice do we have?" he sighed looking off handly.

[Parreyon Syndicus]

The sadness of a proud man was something hard to see when first faced with it. Parreyon did not see the type of sadness he'd come to expect from women, children, or even regular citizens. This sadness was hard to swallow. He wondered if this is how a commander looked at the moment he realized a war was over and he'd lost. It would be a memory hard set to remove from his vision for a long long time.

Parreyon would not even dare comment on the principles of Law. he would agree that there were far greater laws than the ones he had sworn to uphold. They were not his laws though. other people would have beliefs in the laws they chose and would come to find moral conflict between them and the laws of the land as well. Parreyon had seen this first hand in every position he'd held since coming to adulthood.

"This will not be it, Commander. It is not the end. The men do have a choice. I will ensure that each man who choses, can hold an equivelent rank in the local militia if they chose to stay in Imperia. Or a position in the imperia Constabulary as well. This includes you, good sir. I will not force one man or woman to follow me. I ask them to make a choice to follow me. For those suns who do not like the options I have given them, they have but ask me and I will do all in my power to see them in the direction they chose to go. That is my word as The Imperial Judicator, An Earl, and as a Sun."

[Dignitas]

"Very well." Taking the crumpled copy of the Insider from his desk and unceremoniously throwing it away in the weaved trash bucket next to his desk he mused aloud about what would have to be done to facilitate this transaction. It would take a bit of time, obviously. Various things needed to be done before any progress was had. First and foremost, the Sultan would need to be informed of what transpired here. The men needed to be briefed and had to have time to contemplate their futures. Without doubt, some would remain behind in Imperia to see their mission through. Others, would likely join the Suns on the next stage of their exsistence. Whatever the case the Ak'dar fortress would have to be stripped, material transported, and other logisitcal naunces. It would be a large endeavor, or at least it seemed so especially if they Suns were moving out of Imperia.

As Parreyon gave his word, the Commander would hold him to that. Unfortunatly, The Judicator would not be the one to break the news to the men, that was the Commandants duty. They would not likely like this, but he would have to adopt Parreyons view. That perhaps this war was not lost, but perhaps they had succeded and simply moving onto another campaign of sorts. Whatever happened in the future the legacy of the Suns in Imperia would live on, even the Commander knew that. The city population would remember the altrustic acts of greatness that these dedicated individuals had provided. The would remember the sacrfice so that those below would have saftey. And certainly, this hawknosed commander who sat in the chair before Parreyon would remember his era's here.

"It will take time, Judicator. We will need to speak to the Sultan, and our men here. The men will need time to decide the fate of their future."

[Parreyon Syndicus]

"If you would allow me," Parreyon said knowing the wieght of the moment was still square on the commander's shoulders. "I would like to address the Sultan on this. I reside in Arakmat now, and it is time he and I spoke regarding this and other issues of an Imperial Nature. I will let him know that you and I have talked. If you care to write out a missive for him, I would be glad to hang around the city a brightening or two and deliver it when he and I meet."

Parreyon wanted to do whatever he could to ease the burden from the Commander. He was not even sure the Commander would want to join him on this new venture. He seemed ready to retire at this moment of burden. He hoped this was not the case. Great men were hard to come by, and Parreyon knew the presence of the Commander staying on as head of the Knights of Inquisition would hold weight to the men.

"I am sorry, Commander, that this is what it has come down to. I have but one request of you specifically to answer at your own whim. I would like you to lead The Knights of Inquisition. It has never been my intent to replace you, the valuable wisdom you possess, the leadership you provide, or the training regiment you dictate. This is me asking you to join me, Sun to Sun ... not the Judicator. Please do not answer now. Let me know in a few brightenings when the missive is ready for me to deliver to our Sultan."

[Dignitas]

The commandant nodded as if he understood everything that was said. And perhaps, things that were left unsaid. He furrowed his brows a moment in thought, his eyes moving slowly in contemplation. In his mind were tactical maneuvers, of a political bent. Things were not so easy as Parreyon had described them perhaps. Things were unknown, specifically the underlying motives for this move. The Commander was not ready to accept everything the Judicator said, but with the katta before him being a Sun, it made it easier. In fact, perhaps if the Judicator had not been one, this conversation would have been shorter. But now the Judicator was in fact a Sun, one of their own no matter how long it had been since the furred one had walked the hallowed halls of this command building. Steeping his hands together the man answerd in very clear tones. "No. We need to personally speak to the Sultan, however I will allow that we can do so after yourself, should you prefer. But reports must be given in person, in honor." There seemed to be no other motive then that, just an old commander making sure things were done correctly. It wasn't even a factor of trust, just the way things were done at the Suns presently.

Retreat, no matter how it was framed, was a situation that demanded accountability. And accountability couldn't be given over a missive or writ. This was running through the military man's mind. At the offer to lead the Knights of the Inquisition, the man's eyebrows raised in suprise. Seemingly taken aback for a second, silence draped the simple office. When Parreyon said those words; "Sun to Sun" the Commandant trained his sharp blue eyes on that of his counterpart, this small sentence seemed to do something for the man, although what couldn't be said. "Thank you. I will think about your generous offer Judicator." Sighing softly the man nodded his head in silent affirmation at what was happening, realizing this was really the end of their time in Imperia perhaps.

"I will have some men ride down with you to Arakmat, since we need to speak to the Sultan. That is, if you wish. In the meantime it shouldn't take more then a few days to see what the men think of this new re-assignment." Looking down towards the floor for the briefest of seconds so did the man raise his chin and look to the Judicator. "Will there be anything else Judicator?"