Yarrun Firetamer is the chief mage of Gold Ridge. He is a mage who is very confident in his abilities to keep Gold Ridge free of forest fires. He is also very jealous of mages like Niklaren Goldeye who have achieved greatness, and views the world as a cruel place for most mages.
He only appears in Daja's Book.
Biography
Yarrun was born around 980 KF[1] as the son of Ulmerin Valeward, Gold Ridge's chief mage at that time. Yarrun began his studies in magic around 995 KF and continued studying for ten years[1]. He studied at the University of Lightsbridge[2]. When he was younger he would travel trying to find great work after he graduated, also applying for a teaching position at Lightsbridge, which he was denied[3], but after twenty years of traveling and trying to become one of the great, reputed mages[4] he eventually joined his father at Gold Ridge and continued to work there until his death under the patronage of Lady Inoulia.
In 1035 K.F. Gold Ridge was suffering from a three year drought, and wild fires were plentiful. Yarrun tried to maintain his attitude and stop the fires from spreading. He even disputed over it with Rosethorn, who was there as part of Duke Vedris' company, because Rosethorn was of the opinion that the situation would soon escalate. Indeed the fires continued to spread and in the end Firetamer overtaxed himself, and died trying to put out the forest fire that had trapped Daja and Tenth Caravan Idaram.
Physical description
Yarrun dresses similar to Niko in fine silk and velvet clothes. However, the rest of his appearance isn't as nice. By autumn of 1035 KF his white skin looks sallow and his "large, moist brown eyes sported bags on bags". His hair had gone gray--he wore it short--and he was leaning on a staff decorated with bright enamels. He used perfumes and shaved his face.[5] He has discolored teeth.[6]
Yarrun had a habit of putting on "false-looking smiles" and humourless, which made Sandry very uneasy and unable to have faith in his words. This was increased more by the lack of strength in his eyes.[7]
Personality and traits
Firetames thinks very highly of himself and his abilities, being confident that he can master any fire. He is also very proud and doesn't accept other opinions easily, even more than other opinions are voiced by people who--according to Yarrun--have less experience or wisdom in the matter than he himself[1]. Thus he disputes with Rosethorn and doesn't even really consider her arguments saying that the situation in Gold Ridge is nearing a catastrophe. His pride also extends to his high standing in Lady Inoulia's castle. To stress this he wears fine embroidered clothes. He can't understand why Sandry, who is a noble of the House Toren, does weaving--a chore he considers beneath her dignity--instead of fine needlework[1]. His way of looking at things and his behavior obviously came from the fact that he as an "ordinary" mage normally felt inferior to powerful and famous mages like Niko, who got all the attention, and Yarrun wanted to prove that he, too, was important.[4]
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Daja's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 77; Scholastic paperback) [age estimated from his statement about his experiences in magic]
- ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 3 (p. 53; Scholastic paperback)
- ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 8 (p. 147; Scholastic paperback)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Daja's Book, Cp. 9 (p. 159; Scholastic paperback)
- ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 3 (p. 54; Scholastic paperback)
- ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 4 (p. 76; Scholastic paperback)
- ↑ Daja's Book, Cp. 7 (p. 117; Scholastic paperback)