The Westmarch

The Westmarch is Aldmere's western frontier against the Karzhan Spine, held by Duke Minthor Durift, warden of the western passes. Its lords rebelled against the crown in the Lords' War of 822–829 under Duke Yornbael Durift over the Moot's right to tax them; the king won only with Tharaxi mercenaries paid in Caelvennois gold, and the Westmarch has distrusted Hethlend ever since. In 996 a Westmarch baron stabbed King Hethlarn I on the floor of the Moot. Under the Bridge Treaty of 1052 the Westmarch took on the Stair and Venei's Throat and grew rich on their tolls, and the Duke keeps more than his share. The Marchers, Durift's own people, hold that the Westmarch should be a realm of its own in all but name. The fort of Durtisir guards the road to Venei's Throat.

See also: Durtisir, Venei's Throat, The Stair, Vargate Clans' country