Officially the court's "Second Interpreter," Esgaltur was
actually King Arveleg's Lord of Spies. He oversees the
extensive organization known as the Lómërantiri (Q.
"Wandering night-watchers"), as well as many independent
sources. However after the death of First Seer Malbeth he has assumed both positions until a new Head Seer can be found. Four assassination attempts in the last
decade have convinced Esgaltur that he is doing his job
well. As he has sardonically noted, "An expensive poison
is the most flattering of gifts." Esgaltur was Prince
Arvegil and Earnur's tutor for much of their youth, and it is from him
that the Princes gained thier ironic sense of humor. Esgaltur
has also served as a soldier, ranger, and diplomatic envoy
in his checkered career, becoming a linguist and master of
spies only after a severe knee injury left him with a
permanent limp. Middle-aged and unmarried, he is not
sought after he is disliked by most of the staid courtiers.
Unable to speak publicly of his primary task, Esgaltur
gives his majesty a daily briefing on matters foreign and
domestic and. contents himself with knowing that he is
more useful to Arthedain then most of the soldiers and
ancient seers who look down on him in the palace."The only friend a spy needs," says Esgaltur, "is his
King." Since the death of Malbeth most of the royal family
speak to Esgaltur on a daily basis. Prince Arvegil trusts
him implicitly and is determined to bestow high office on
him when the opportunity arises.