A Render of Merto from Magebane

A couple weeks ago, I introduced you to Lord Cafrash Menchtoteale, the blacksmith who forged the Wishing Blade.

Today, I’d like you to meet Merto, one of Cafrash’s two sons. Unlike Camir, who makes a grandiose show of impressing those around him and makes favors with anyone he can work into his grasp, Merto tries to stay out of the public eye, careful not to draw to much attention to himself.

For now, Merto remains meek… though he knows and can do far more than he lets on.

Merto makes his first appearance in Magebane, and will continue to make appearances throughout the Wishing Blade series.

Excerpt from Merto’s first appearance (Magebane):

“What are you doing here?” Toranih demanded. The leather hilt felt slick under her clammy fingers.

The light stopped moving. “Father sent me.”

“Father?” She frowned, still not quite able to make out the figure’s features in the low light. “Show yourself.”

The young man opened his hand and a pale turquoise crystal dimly lit his tall frame. He looked about Toranih’s age—she couldn’t tell if he was older or younger—and he was a shadow like the others, his features clear since she was part of his realm. His dull, grayish hair was cut loosely around his ears. His eyes were pale and he had a petite, pointy nose and rounded jaw, both of which looked familiar.

The light weaved back and forth as the young man swayed, unstable on his feet. “My father… Cafrash.”

Though Merto has a fairly small role to play in Magebane, he has his own secrets, and Toranih quickly decides she isn’t sure if she should trust him.

But then, that could be said for everyone in Cafrash’s family, and Merto isn’t the only one with a hidden agenda.

(Huh. I realize now that I haven’t designed Camir’s character in Daz yet. Given his flare for fancier clothes and haughty attidude, I bet his render would be fun. What do you think? Should I take some time to make his render?)

Eventually I want to edit Merto’s backstory novella… which I do have written but needs edits to avoid breaking my plot. Fun times.

* * *

Both brothers have an agenda… but whose plans are more dangerous?