Baird of Queenscove (BAYRd) is a Tortallan nobleman who is the head of a very powerful and old ducal family. He has been chief of the palace healers from 430 HE and onward, and he is a very powerful healer with an extremely strong Gift. Healing magic ran in his family, and his father and great-grandmother were also powerful healers. Duke Baird has served the Crown of Tortall through the reigns of two kings, King Roald and King Jonathan. He married Wilina of Haryse, daughter of the war hero Emry of Haryse, and had children with her.