Etric

Etric Starling is over a hundred years old, middle age for a Loreton. He is a successful brewer, and his patience made him an easy choice for leadership in Loreto over two decades ago. To Harwin, he is the size of a boy, with a mop of chesnutt hair. Even when the man was tense, his eyes would sparkle.

  He often disagreed with the prior elder, Medger, as his strict dedication to the Loreto dogma had made many youths attempt to leave the lands. They had lost over a score the past few years as they died escaping through the hedge before the terrible fate that fell upon them when sorcery was used to turn their hounds against them.

  One evening, Medger attempted to catch a loose donkey from his stables when several hounds tore the man to pieces, and the village elected Etric to take his place. The new chief elder sent word to Olcott requesting aid from Mero. Who was the only man he knew skilled enough to rid them of the hound's ferocity.

  Mero made an arrogant decision and brought four strangers with him. His hands were tied with the Grimm, who sensed his urgency, and after a night of negotiation, he agreed to help.

  The hunt was a disaster as the hounds nearly killed the strangers, and by fortune from the mother, three of them survived. When death looked certain for the orphans, a phenomenon appeared, and Etric witnessed a miracle as the two gasped loudly, coming alive after they were wrapped in linen to be buried.

  He took an interest in Edmund, who had a calm disposition as he had eyes watch him and report his demeanor when they interacted with them. His first meeting was fruitful. The lad's presence relaxed him, and he decided to inform him about the oddity that drove the hounds vicious.

  While Julius healed, many Loreton women became pregnant, and the simple folk began praying, worshipping the lads as he kept them hidden as best he could from his people. To Etric, the miracle reinforced his hold over them, and the death of Osmond was a sacrifice to Lupretia. He used the strength of faith to implement a new code so obedience would fall into place.

  The elder also used the attacks to force his counsel to approve a hidden trade with the village of Penenza. Etric feared further trespasses and urged them to purchase steel for a future militia. He strikes a bargain with Edmund, thinking he has done a positive thing for his people as the lad fleeced him for valuable goods which will get him started on the venture with Julius back in Breeston.