Van Itei berMimar

Van Itei berMimar (11-4-Athain 13 - 16-5-Sora 42) is a general of the Lein Dynasty, during the years of Emperor Sora's reign. By far the Emperor's most trusted general, he was also one of the greatest tacticians and strategists ever seen in the history of the Tranon, and over his career racked up an astonishing list of victories in the service of the Empire.

Childhood and Youth

Van Itei was born to Van Mimar berTarisun, a blacksmith of Nai County in Azabor Province, and Tan Riena berSasuri nanMimar, his first wife. The eldest of the family, with two sisters and a brother, Van Itei took on considerable responsibilities in his family even as a child, helping to take care of his siblings and also at the smithy.

Since by family tradition the youngest child was the one who took over the family trade and responsibilities, as the older child Itei was left to strike out on his own. Fascinated by the army since childhood, he lied to a recruiter that he was already 17 when in fact he was only 15, and was admitted into the army as a cavalry trooper; full of dash and always enthusiastic, he was soon promoted to command a teo, and then a nartun, of cavalry.

His cavalry unit, posted nearly 220 irinon east of Meiron, was unexpectedly recalled to a much closer position along the river plains in Athain 31, supposedly as the Tairazun's health deteriorated and it seemed like he would not have long to live. In turn this move would put the soldier in position for contacts that would change his life and career. As the Tairazun lay dying, and his sons were recalled from all over the Empire, Van Itei was ordered to increase the frequency of patrols to prevent undesirable elements entering the city during this tense period; while on patrol, he stopped a suspicious carriage-riding couple, only to be entangled in the struggle for accession of the eventual next Tairazun.