Ryker Ereth

In the shadows

Ryker Ereth is the younger brother of the current High Lord Ereth. Though he was born without legs, his quick mind and silver tongue has allowed him to become influential in the running of the Ereth lordship and the Frozen Keep.

Birth

Ryker was born on a sunny autumn day in the Frozen Keep, the second child of High Lord Oscar Ereth and his wife, Sana. Immediately, it became clear that all was not as it should be. Instead of legs, the infant Ryker had twisted stumps.
Lord Oscar was appalled. Immediately, he wanted to leave his infant son out on the mountainside for Trestan, the Lord of Ice, to reclaim. Lady Sana begged him to reconsider. Because of his deep love of his wife, Oscar agreed to keep his son.

Childhood

Never truly accepted by his father and over-protected by his mother, Ryker spent much of his childhood confined to his chambers. Whilst his older brother, Nicolas, and - later - his younger two brothers, Connor and Kasen were fond of him and also somewhat protective, he was often left out of their adventures. Nicolas would sometimes carry him around on his back, though their mother put a stop to this after Ryker was accidentally left in a tower and his brothers could not remember where he was.
Though his mother insisted he be allowed to join the family for dinner, when his father had company - which was often - Ryker found himself eating in the kitchen with the servants. Through this, he nutured a close relationship with many of the staff in the Frozen Keep, and found himself privy to a lot more information about the day to day running of the castle than he otherwise would be.
Like his brothers, Ryker was tutored by a number of scholars. He worked hard at his studies, absorbing as much information as he could get his hands on. He also learned several languages, including Caillan, Kaienese and - to his mother's horror - rudimentary Mokai Mai, the language of the Koushan Mai.

Current Role

After their father died in 5343 EA, the High Lord Nicolas Ereth found himself in over his head. Though he had been preparing to take over from his father his whole life, he did not feel ready. Almost immediately, he began to talk to Ryker about the running of the lordship and began including him in council and strategy meetings. Ryker had a reputation for being clever, one that Nicolas did not share.
For the last three years, almost every decision that has come from the Frozen Keep has been on the suggestion of Ryker. Through his carefully-nurtured relationships with the servants in the Keep, Ryker has a lot more access to information and intelligence than anyone realises. The right word murmured to the right person is enough for him to find out anything he wants.
As for the nobility who often visit the Frozen Keep to do business with the High Lord, they tend to treat Ryker as though he is nothing more than a piece of furniture if he is present. This often leads them to say much more to each other than they would in front of the High Lord.

Current Age

24

Date of Birth

5322 EA

Place of Birth

The Frozen Keep