An elderly official who accompanied Roland to Border Town and at first treated him with little real trust. He is cautious, practical, and used to looking at events through the eyes of a man who has spent years among paperwork, accounts, and court routine. His calculating mind, experience in administrative affairs, and ability to assess a situation quickly make him one of the most useful people in Roland’s circle. In time, ordinary official loyalty gives way to a genuine interest in the changes unfolding in the town.

A civil servant who becomes one of Roland’s principal aides in matters of administration and governance. Barov oversees daily affairs, reports on the condition of the town, and gradually turns into one of the supports of the new order. Beneath his outward caution lie ambition, diligence, and a willingness to back a strong ruler, provided that ruler is truly capable of changing the course of events.