Dernhil was a scholar at the School of Innail. He originated in Gent, where he was a poet. He is said to be the best poet in all of Annar. When he was a young man he was challenged by Cadvan to a poetry competition. In the end, Dernhil won. He was Maerad's literature teacher and he taught her how to read and write. During Maerad's tutelage, he fell in love with her and tried to kiss her, but he was rejected. The very next day Maerad left Innail.