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JERITH
One of the seven main characters in the Chronicles series.
BACKGROUND - Jerith is a twin with Tilrion, and both of them were born to a family of the minor nobility landed in Irithia. However, when they were both four years of age their father was murdered and their house burned by political enemies, leaving them homeless with their distraught mother. Although able to take shelter with relatives outside of that kingdom, the brothers found no permanent roof. Then, when twelve years old, their mother died, leaving them more fully alone. Jerith and Tilrion then parted to go their separate ways, staying with family associates, who constantly provided each brother with some limited financial security.
Jerith has spent the intervening time learning as much as he can about everything, though it should be stressed that this is not merely a scholarly whimsy, but a very real (and sometimes uneasy) feeling of destiny that directs him. His interest lies in reconstructing the past and learning from it, as well as adding aspects through human observation. However, Jerith's learnings constantly have a spiritual bent to them. In a sense it is not academia he is ultimately interested in as much as some form of enlightenment through knowledge. Yet even still, Jerith does not take himself too seriously, and is possessed of a very affable and playful nature. He is rarely without money, but has a tendency to give freely to any cause that takes his fancy, and is as generous to complete strangers as to his friends.
GATHERING - Jerith is sheltering in a cave from the storm raging wet outside on the Midan Hills. Observing ancient Ulturion hieroglyphs set in the back wall, he discovers a narrow passage that eventually leads into a certain cave where Ulric and Sirath are taking refuge. From then onwards Jerith directs the other characters, drawing them on with promises of employment his brother is hiring for. All they have to do is move on out into the rain and head towards a village close by where Jerith has arranged to meet with his estranged brother ...
RELATIONSHIPS - Jerith is very much the glue that keeps all of the main characters together. Without Jerith, they would have broken up into separate groups (or lone paths) almost at the very beginning. He is extremely patient and makes sure he gets along with everyone, though, almost surprisingly, it is his brother Tilrion he appears least close to, for Jerith's playful attitude and Tilrion's cold concerns do not travel well together. Jerith makes a particularly close association with Sirath, though he is also protective of Erin, to the extent of playing a crude joke on Sirath while out celebrating birthdays. Jerith also makes an effort to know Ezebekial better, and rather than being put off by his strange ways, Jerith appears to find him more fascinating than anything else, perhaps because of his difference. Jerith also gets on very well with Ulric, though Dalathos is cooler, but never disrespectful. Or at least, not on purpose.
A greatly contributory reason for everyone's liking for Jerith, apart from his greatly affable personality, is the fact that at the very beginning he pays for everything; from the stabling of Sirath's ill-gotten horses, to the buying of food and drinks for the first few days, including the birthday celebrations. He has money free in his purse because he sold a horse that was in his possession while still in Mardin, studying at the Great Library there. Until Tilrion sent a message asking him to meet him near the city of Corianth, as he had a possible offer of employment ...
ANTI-CHARACTER - The anti-character to the twins Jerith and Tilrion are the twins Darrion and Eirron, where Darrion is Jerith's negative version. They are, of course, quite opposite in most respects, not least concerning money. Jerith is happy to give his away, whereas Darrion wishes to hoard his. However, both men do share a high level of intelligence, though Darrion has become too lazy in luxury and sensual stimulation to have studied, whereas Jerith's wealth being taken from him so young has left him knowing the true value of things, and the real brevity of life. Jerith walks in light, and Darrion walks in darkness. Jerith is also aware of his future. |
