Malachin Gwantir, 39, is the bailiff of Girhim and cousin of Brenoir. He is the main counselor of the clanhead and the most mysterious figure in the clan. Malachin is an astrologer and alchemist and a member of the Guild of Arcane Lore. Many consider him also to be a wizard. While he never shows any of his talents to the public, he enjoys the fact that his alleged sorcerous skills are widely feared. Only the power of his position and the fact that both the royal and the religious courts in the hundred are dominated by his clansmen protect him against accusations for witchcraft. Malachin occupies the tower of Girhim manor that he has turned into an alchemical laboratory and observatory.