Countess Wyrmlea, renouned as the finest Battlemage in Gorundia. Her liege lord is Wilhelm Vogel, and she typically offers her full support.

"Countess Zara is fire in silk—smart, dangerous, and fully aware of the effect she has. As the kingdom’s top battlemage and a countess in her own right, she’s a force to be reckoned with, both on the battlefield and off. She recently lost her best knight and favorite lover, Sir Malik Redhand, and woe to whoever had a hand in that. Trouble doesn’t follow her; she brings it, and she’s got the power to finish what she starts."
 
Sorek Redmarch

 

"Her eyes were like emeralds dipped in poison. She smiled, and I knew that smile was the kind of trouble you don’t walk away from. You crawl, if you're lucky."
 
Sorek Redmarch

 

Overview

Zara Vallytrex, Countess of Wyrmlea, is an enigmatic and powerful figure. Known for her ruthless intelligence, keen political instincts, and deadly command of battle magic, Zara has carved a place for herself as one of the most formidable nobles in the realm. Though a widow, she has never sought to remarry, preferring the freedom and authority that her singular status affords her.
 
Ruling from the ancient fortress of Wyrmlea, Zara maintains a delicate balance between loyalty to House Vogel and her own ambitions. While she remains outwardly loyal, those who know her well can see the cracks forming in that alliance.
 

A Legacy of Fire and Silk

Born in 1188 to the Vallytrex family, an ancient house known for its draconic ties and magical prowess, Zara was destined for greatness. From a young age, she excelled in both martial and arcane training, displaying a talent for destructive magic that outstripped many of her tutors. By her late teens, she was already a celebrated battlemage, earning her reputation on the battlefield during skirmishes with border raiders and rebellious factions.
 
Her rise to power was cemented when she married Count Armand Mallenar, a man twice her age. Though their marriage was one of convenience rather than love, Zara quickly assumed control of Wyrmlea’s affairs. After Armand’s death under mysterious circumstances—an event that some claim was more than mere coincidence—Zara took full control of the county. She renamed the house for her maiden name never looking back.
 

"Countess Zara never needed a husband; she only needed an excuse. Armand was that excuse, and his death was her liberation." —Anonymous Courtier

 

Sir Malik Redhand and the Tournament Tragedy

Sir Malik Redhand was more than just Zara’s lover; he was her most trusted knight and confidant. His fiery temper and relentless loyalty made him a perfect match for Zara’s own fierce personality. The two were inseparable both on and off the battlefield, their bond growing deeper with every shared victory and every political maneuver.
 
Malik’s death remains one of the great tragedies of Zara’s life. He was assassinated just before he was set to face Braga the Brazen in the grand tournament—a loss that shook Zara to her core. Though the official story paints it as the work of unknown brigands, Zara has always suspected otherwise. She believes his death was a calculated move to remove a powerful ally and destabilize her position.
 

"Malik wasn’t just a lover; he was my sword and shield, my anchor in the storm. Whoever took him from me will wish they hadn’t. Vengeance is best served in silence—and I will have it." —Countess Zara Vallytrex

 

Politics and Power

Zara plays the game of politics with the same precision and deadly efficiency she brings to the battlefield. As a vassal of House Vogel, she walks a fine line between loyalty and independence. While publicly loyal to Duke Wilhelm Vogel, Zara’s trust in House Vogel has waned ever since Malik’s death. She has grown increasingly wary of Wilhelm’s ambitions and the power plays within his court.
 
Wyrmlea itself is a critical holding, strategically positioned along key trade routes and known for its wealth in rare minerals and arcane resources. Zara’s control of these assets makes her an indispensable ally—or a dangerous enemy.
 

"Wyrmlea’s riches are the kind that make men dream—and sometimes, those dreams turn deadly." —Zara Vallytrex

 

Master of Magic

Zara’s magical abilities are legendary. As a battlemage, she specializes in destructive magic and illusions, blending raw power with cunning misdirection. On the battlefield, she is a whirlwind of fire and shadow, weaving spells with terrifying precision. Even in court, Zara’s presence is a spell in itself—a carefully cultivated blend of charm, intimidation, and mystique.
 
Her connection to ancient draconic magic is a source of both fascination and fear among her peers. Some whisper that she has draconic blood running through her veins, a claim Zara neither confirms nor denies.
 

Current Plans and Ambitions

Though she wears a mask of calm and control, Zara is far from done mourning Malik’s death—or seeking justice for it. She has quietly begun gathering allies and resources for what many believe will be a reckoning. Zara plays the long game, and her enemies would do well to remember that.
 
For now, she remains a powerful force within the kingdom, watching, waiting, and planning her next move. Those who underestimate her rarely get a second chance.