Stylhet (Bernard Wallis) is the Chancellor and Spymaster of Bernicia. A man of humble origins born in the port of Eastport, he rose to the highest echelons of power through a combination of professional deception, stolen identity, and the use of his innate heroic talents. He is the architect of the upcoming royal union between his daughter and King Alasdair V, aimed at securing both his daughter’s future and the stability of the Bernician succession.

They are in the story

• First appears: Arriving at the mouth of the River Reoch aboard a Bernician ship, observing the River Fort and the University of Dalreoch while escorting his daughter to Dalreoch.
• Function: He serves as the primary diplomatic and intelligence architect for the alliance between Bernicia and Dael Riata. His role is to ensure a peaceful transition of the Bernician throne to King Alasdair V and to neutralise any internal threats that might destabilise the new united kingdom.

Stylhet is a richly dressed, athletic man with dark hair. Despite his vigorous appearance, he was born around 650, making him over 120 years old—a longevity granted by his heroic bloodline. He is a master of shapeshifting, sensing unspoken motivations, and “not being noticed.” He possesses the lethal skill of “shaping” real things from imagination, though unlike his daughter, his creations dissipate once he stops concentrating. He is defined by a pragmatic idealism; while he operates brothels and gambling dens to gather information, he provides better conditions and poor relief for his staff and tenants than most nobles to ensure their absolute loyalty.

Notable people

• Lady Elizabeth Wallis: His daughter and apprentice, whom he has trained in the darker arts of statecraft.
• King Alasdair V: His future son-in-law and the claimant he is backing for the Bernician throne.
• Queen Eleanor I: The childless Queen of Bernicia whom he serves as Private Secretary and Spymaster.
• Jill Pennyfeather: An agent and daughter of one of his informers, serving as a companion and bodyguard to Elizabeth.

• eastport: His true place of birth and the city where he spent his early decades in various identities.
• stylhet: His Earldom in Bernicia and the site of the university where he researched heroic lineages.
• Dalreoch: The Dael Riatan capital where he is currently staying for the royal wedding.