Janus bet Vhalnich

Count Janus bet Vhalnich Mieran is a major character in The Shadow Campaigns series. He is a noble and has greatly influenced the events of the series. He is first introduced in The Thousand Names as Colonel of the Colonial Infantry Regiment, Vordanai Minister of Justice, General of the Army of the East. He is currently the First Consul of the Kingdom of Vordan.

Appearance
He is described as a young man of middle height, with short dark hair in a military cut and an interesting face. His eyes are probably the most notable features he has, they are grey and are described by many characters as 'piercing'.

Personality
Janus bet Vhalnich has a mysterious aura and unclear motives throughout the book, although he is frequently seen aiding the throne, and is loyal to it almost as much as Marcus d'Ivoire. He is the smartest military commander in the book and often prefers to be shrouded in mystery. His tactics are carried through thoroughly, and he almost never underestimates the enemy. He is as efficient, if not more so, in the backstabbing world of politics. He dislikes disclosing his plans unless he absolutely has to, as we can see during the mutiny- he does not inform the army, or even his officers that he has cracked the light language of the Desoltai until the mutiny occurs.

But above all this, Janus is foremost, a scholar. He has studied language, magic, geography, wildlife, and even his own officers [probably to ascertain human motives] and is one of the most clever men in the books. This is seen when he deciphers the light language of the Desoltai in the desert.