As ruler and governor of South Guard, Oesten thanks his ancestors every day for their wisdom in settling outside the city-state so long ago. He is an even-tempered and fair man whose abhorrence for slavery results in plantation workers having a degree of freedom. In fact, these workers are slaves in name only; they can come and go as they please. Eldaarich’s recent activity concerns Lord Oesten, and he suspects that a dark future might await his subjects.