And Melhed who allied the undead and threatened their neighbours to do the same or else? They are northerners, they must be good.
Melhed was forced into that alliance against many protests. The ruler had to step down, and then, thanks to the Senate, Thalmarkin and Melhed had such strained relations, we almost went to war.
Fortunately, Shae ran unopposed and took over on the promise that she'd disband the Senate, something Soren couldn't do. Then Soren came back a couple of elections later, and was free to do as he pleased. Now relations are much better, even if Soren's a bit crazy.