Sertenium

Beyond the Miradathia Sea, in lands where magic flows more freely than water, Sertenium learned his craft among secretive orders of eastern mystics. His true name remains unknown, lost to the shadows of his past. The name "Sertenium" came later, chosen for its mysterious resonance in Western tongues.

His early years passed in rigorous study within hidden mountain temples, where ancient masters taught the arts of sorcery and subterfuge. These masters believed true power lay not in grand displays of magic but in the subtle manipulation of events. Young Sertenium proved an exceptional student, mastering spells of concealment and influence while developing an innate understanding of human nature.

Tragedy struck when rival sorcerers destroyed his order, forcing Sertenium to flee westward. The journey across the Miradathia Sea, Panthora, and, eventually, to the Four Fiefdoms transformed him, stripping away any remaining idealism and replacing it with cold pragmatism. He learned to survive by trading secrets and selling his services to those who could afford them, building a reputation in port cities as a man who could make problems disappear.

“Isn’t that right, Sertenium?”

Evan retreated a step as a sliver of a man slid in from seemingly nowhere.

“Yes, sir,” Sertenium said, his lips and dark mustache curling in a wicked grin. “Delighting in it, in fact.”

“Who is this?” Evan asked, his mind still trying to comprehend the man’s sudden appearance. If this wasn’t sorcery, Evan didn’t know one end of an arrow from the other.

“My steward and advisor,” Malcolm said. “But soon, once I assume my role as leader of the earldom, Sertenium will become my new lord chamberlain. For now, though, he is simply my steward.”

Sertenium bowed, his exquisite silk robes so quiet they muted his every movement. “A role I humbly accept, my lord.”

- THE ALCHEMIST’S FORGE

His wanderings eventually brought him to Rockhaven, where Lord Malcolm Roberts recognized the value of such a skilled practitioner of magic and espionage. Their partnership proved natural, as both men understood the power of information and the importance of patience in achieving one's goals.

Under Lord Malcolm's patronage, Sertenium established an intricate network of informants throughout Kettering. His magical abilities enhanced his natural talent for gathering intelligence, allowing him to learn secrets others believed hidden. He developed methods of appearing and disappearing at will, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty that served his master's purposes well.

The sorcerer's quarters in Rockhaven became a place of whispered rumors and fear. Strange lights sometimes flickered in his windows late at night, while exotic scents wafted from his chambers. He maintained a collection of mysterious artifacts and books in languages few could read, adding to his aura of otherworldly power.

Sertenium cultivated this reputation carefully, knowing fear often proved more effective than violence. His mere presence at a gathering silenced conversations and caused discomfort among those with secrets to hide. He particularly enjoys letting people glimpse him in places they believe secure, reinforcing the belief that nowhere remains truly private.

His loyalty to Lord Malcolm stems not from any sense of feudal obligation but from a calculated assessment of mutual benefit. In Malcolm, Sertenium recognizes a patron whose ambitions align with his desire for power and influence. Their arrangement provides him with protection and resources while allowing him to exercise his talents with little inhibition.

The sorcerer takes particular pleasure in gathering information about Lord Nicholas and young Phillip, storing away every detail that might prove helpful in Lord Malcolm's bid for power. His methods range from magical surveillance to the careful cultivation of informants within the earl's household, building a comprehensive picture of potential weaknesses to exploit.

Years of practice have made Sertenium expert at remaining unnoticed when desired, while creating an imposing presence when needed. He moves through Rockhaven like a shadow, his dark robes and quiet manner allowing him to blend into the background until he reveals himself. The common folk have learned to watch their words, never knowing when Sertenium might be listening.

His magical abilities focus on the subtle arts: spells of concealment, enchantments of influence, and rituals of information gathering. While capable of more dramatic magic, he prefers methods that leave no trace of his involvement. This approach has served both him and Lord Malcolm well, allowing them to maintain plausible deniability in their more delicate operations.

Through careful manipulation and patient planning, Sertenium helps advance Lord Malcolm's ambitions while pursuing his own mysterious agenda. None save perhaps Malcolm himself knows the full extent of the sorcerer's capabilities or his true motives, and Sertenium intends to keep it that way.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Sertenium first appears in The Alchemist's Forge (The Alchemancer Book Four).

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