Michal Alac

## Appearances

The Shadow of What Was Lost

**Michal Alac** is a Gifted Representative for Tol Athian and Asha's mentor in her role as Representative.

## Description

### Appearance

Michal appears to be in his early forties, but he is still evidently spry and youthful. His short black hair shows no signs of graying and his lean and athletic build makes him move more like a warrior than a typical scholar.

### Personality

Michal is straightforward and often blunt, but also shows a significant degree of kindness and loyalty in his actions. He cares little for interpersonal formalities, and shows his lack of prejudice by treating Asha as an equal despite her status as a Shadow.

This does not translate into restraint as a teacher, however, as he proves himself to be ruthless taskmaster driven to push Asha to learn as much as she possibly can.

## History

### Rise to Prominence

Michal's origins are largely unknown. It is clear he was born Gifted, and worked for Tol Athian in some capacity before his appointment to Elder. His connection with Elder Nashrel indicates a strong level of mutual respect, as he is considered by the latter as worthy of representing Tol Athian at the Assembly.

## Activities in *The Shadow of What Was Lost*

### An Unexpected Appointment

Following Asha's appointment as assistant Representative for Tol Athian by the Northwarden, the Athian Council is instructed to select a full Representative to lead and mentor her in the palace. After some deliberation, Michal is selected for the position.

When he is taken to the palace to settle in to his new position, Elocien formally introduces him to his assistant. Michal asks to dispense with the pleasantries and quickly sets the no-nonsense tone of his tutelage once he is alone with Asha. He reveals that he does not believe the ostensible reason for a Shadow like Asha to be in her position, but also assures her that he does not care so long as she does her job responsibly.

### Attending to Duties

Michal proves to be highly competent in his position, often waking Asha early to tutor her, leaving during the day, and returning in the evening to test her comprehension. He does not leave his assistant to rest until she displays enough progress to satisfy him, and shows beaming approval when he finds Asha up and ready ahead of schedule. He learns early of the Blind army's presence in Andarra's borders, and shares the news with his assistant right away.

Following Asha's kidnapping and safe return, Michal demonstrates his concern by healing her as soon as she is brought back to the palace. Their working relationship strengthens after this, and the Representative demonstrates a great deal of trust in his assistant by sharing his thoughts during the feast celebrating Prince Torin's return. Despite his concern for the city's safety, he has faith that the military will deal with the invaders and, failing that, the King will consider changing the Tenets to allow the Gifted to fight.

As the dinner continues and Asha's thoughts once again begin to drift, Michal is quick to draw her into the conversation around her. Given the shaky history between the Tol and the Assembly, Michal irritably reminds her of the importance of making a good impression on those at the dinner — Prince Torin especially. When the pair are given the opportunity to meet the Prince, he greatly lauds Asha's abilities despite her status as a Shadow. This amuses his assistant and the Prince, who share a deep history of which Michal is unaware.

### The Blind Invasion

Before the conversation can continue, Michal and Asha are called to an emergency meeting to dictate the course of action on the Blind army. There, they learn of the military's total failure in attempting to contain the invading force and the King's utter refusal to change the Tenets — shattering Michal's optimistic predictions on both counts. As they leave the meeting, Michal shows his concern for his apprentice and asks her to inform him if she decides to escape the city. They briefly split ways, Asha to discuss the plan of defence with the Northwarden, and Michal to try convincing as many of the military and House leaders as possible to stay and defend Ilin Illan. Asha rejoins him soon after, and they manage to rally some of the remaining leaders to their cause.

During the battle, Michal contributes to the defence of the city from atop the Shields. He takes part in the retreat towards the palace, but is slain by a Blind soldier with a fatal stab through the back. His body is identified after the fighting and, while saddened by his loss, Asha takes some comfort in the high likelihood that his death was quick.