B is for Bartinus

Introducing the main character of the upcoming third Meterra novel, Bartinus Faltor of the Meterran Royal Rangers. Bartinus is not one of the European Arrivals; he was born in Meterra of a Ramai family. The Ramai are the inhabitants of Meterra whom the Europeans met when they first arrived.

Bartinus is a woodsman, a hunter, and one of the founding members of the Royal Rangers. The Royal Rangers were commissioned by the king in 1176, five years after the Arrival. Their purpose is to protect the roads of Meterra, particularly the roads that border the uncivilized lands that surround the kingdom. Through their efforts, the kingdom's merchant traffic has increased significantly, bringing goods and services to and from neighboring lands.

Bartinus is a gruff, taciturn man who does his duty not because he loves the Europeans, but because he loves his land, regardless of the politics. He grew up in the eastern part of the realm near Lundy, a village that borders the swamp known as the Evergloom. One of the reasons he accepted the commission with the Rangers was so that he would not have to spend any more time near that fetid swamp. Unfortunately for him, his unique expertise in that part of the kingdom made him suitable for a special mission from the king himself.

Bartinus, unlike many of his fellow Ramai, has little use for magic and those who wield it; he has far more faith in his sword and his own abilities than in the mystical enchantments of the land's magicians. Too often has he seen the corrupting influence of magic, and he wants no part of it. Nevertheless, having grown up in a realm where magic was, if not commonplace, at least familiar, he recognizes that it can, on rare occasions, be useful. Just not around him.

Having spent his entire life in the woodlands and the swamp, Bartinus has an unmatched knowledge of the Susp Forest and the Evergloom, and he has transferred that knowledge to other wild lands in the kingdom. And while he is subject to orders from his superiors in the Rangers, he has been known to act without orders when he deems it necessary. Since he spends so little time among civilized folk, his manners are somewhat uncouth, and he will win no prizes at any beauty contests.

Bartinus recognizes the importance of the changes in the land since the Arrival, and for the most part approves of them. He is not an avidly religious man, but he pays the proper respects and attends Mass as regularly as his duties allow. Of course, it is rare to find a priest, let alone a church, in the middle of the Meterran wild lands.