Decimus
Decimus is an alchemist recruited by the Sobral administration to serve Duchess Veronica. Eryk escorts him from the capital, helps gather ingredients for his work, and later learns enough from him to recognize the limits between alchemy and ordinary herbal brewing. (Chapters 96–110, 133)
Biography
Recruitment and journey to Sobral
Adrian recruits Decimus to work for Duchess Veronica and the Sobral Province. Eryk joins the escort, helping transport the alchemist’s equipment and supplies. The journey is physically difficult for Decimus, who has little experience riding for long stretches, and the group adjusts its travel plans to accommodate him. (Chapters 96–103)
Once in Sobral, Eryk helps Decimus collect ingredients and supplies. Decimus is focused on his work, often laboring late in the alchemy room. Eryk observes his experiments and assists by gathering plants and other materials, while the two develop a useful working relationship. (Chapters 103–110)
A source of practical instruction
Decimus’s work becomes part of the support network available to the Legion. Other soldiers refer to him for remedies, and Eryk later distinguishes the limited herbalism he has learned from Decimus from true alchemy and aether-infused brewing. The lessons are practical but do not make Eryk a trained alchemist in his own right. (Chapters 110, 133)
Appearance and personality
The chapters emphasize Decimus’s work more than his appearance. He is a dedicated alchemist who spends long hours in his lab and depends on the escort during the journey to Sobral. (Chapters 96–107, 109–110)
Magic and abilities
Decimus practices alchemy and prepares potions and remedies. His work is distinct from basic herbalism and ordinary non-aether brews, a distinction Eryk learns during later study. The narrative does not provide Decimus’s numeric scores or a formal advancement track. (Chapters 103–110, 133)
Relationships
- Eryk Marko: Escort and assistant who gathers ingredients and learns basic alchemical knowledge from Decimus. (Chapters 96–110, 133)
- Adrian: Recruits Decimus to work for Duchess Veronica. (Chapter 96)
- Veronica: The Duchess whom Decimus is recruited to serve. (Chapter 96)