Though not a member of the Cherkess Council of Ministers, and holding himself always apart from political maneuvering, Kasim, commander of the battle-mages of the Cherkess court, is nonetheless well-respected, and his opinion given much weight. Old enough to have served under three kings of Cherkessia, and known as "Wily Kasim" (though never to his face), he is said to be the second most powerful mage in the land, exceeded only by Amir himself.