Malice Study Guide

Giant. Ally of Nathair and Calidus. 

Present when Nathair first meets Calidus. Assists Nathair when they fight the Shekam giants and search for Telassar. Vows to find a draig egg for Nathair to raise when Nathair declares that he wants one. Becomes one of Nathair's most trusted advisor and joins Veradis and Calidus when they fight the Hunen giants. When Calidus claims Dagda's axe for Nathair, Romar does not accept the claim, so Alcyon kills him.

Queen of Ardan. Wife of Brenin. Mother of Edana. Sister of Pendathran and the late Rhagor. 

Leads the country while Brenin is at the King's Council and reiterates that Evnis cannot leave the city while Brenin is gone, leading to Evnis blaming Alona and Brenin for the death of his wife. Passes Queen's Judgement for Corban and Storm, allowing Corban to raise Storm as long as she does not hurt anyone. If she does, she will be killed. Alona is taken hostage while in Narvon for the wedding of Kyla and Uthar, leading to her being shot by Rhin's soldiers and dying. 

Deceased

King of Tenebral, technically High King of the Banished Lands. Husband of Fidele. Father of Nathair. Descended from King Sokar, first High King of the Banished Lands. 

After discovering the prophecy of the avatars and the God-War, he calls the first King's Council in a millenia. Forms an alliance to fight for Elyon's avatar The Bright Star with Brenin, Braster, Rahim, Romar, and Temel. Mandros comes to Tenebral for Midwinter, when the sun is blacked out at midday (a sign of the prophecy). Aquilus is later killed and his son is stabbed in the side and left for dead. It is believed that Mandros is the perpetrator, but Mandros claims that it was Nathair. 

Deceased

Aquilus' weapons-master and a well-known warrior. 

Lord of the Darkwood.

Killed Alona's brother Rhagor. Continues to live in the Darkwood with a small community and torment Brenin and Owain. Commands Camlin to attack Dylan's family and destroy their hold, on the order of Evnis. When Camlin is taken prisoner, he stages a rescue and takes Marrock prisoner, releasing him later as he promised Corban and Cywen. When Brenin goes to Narvon for the wedding of Kyla and Uthar, he takes Alona, Edana, and Cywen hostage and kills many of Brenin's men, including Tull. The women are later rescued but Alona dies. It is revealed that Owain killed his family and he was taken in and raised by Rhin, who he is loyal to. She commanded him to become a part of the Darkwood community and use them for her gain.

King of Helveth

Allies with Brenin at the King's Council. Works with Romar to flush out the Hunen giants, aided by Nathair's forces. They do eliminate the giants but Braster takes a blow to the head that pulls him from the field of battle. Because of this, he is not witness to what happens after Romar enters the archway to claim the axe.

King of Ardan. Husband of Alona. Father of Edana.

Allies with Aquilus at the King's Council. Before he leaves for the council, he refuses to allow Evnis to take his ailing wife on a trip - leading Evnis to blame Brenin for his wife's death. He often takes in people looking for sanctuary, adding Halion and Conall to his warband after they requested sanctuary, and making a bigger enemy of Rhin when he refuses to return to refugees that requested sanctuary back to her. She forces the use of the Court of Swords but Tull beats her warrior Morcant and Brenin is not forced to return the refugees. When he attends the wedding of Kyla and Uthar, his wife and daughter are taken hostage by Rhin's people (posing as Owain's men) while she makes it look like Brenin's nephew killed Owain's son Uthar. Brenin unearths the coup but Owain does not believe Rhin is behind it. This places Brenin at war with both Owain and Rhin. When he returns to Ardan, he is visited by Nathair. He refuses to give Nathair information on Meical and Nathair takes his revenge by opening the gate for Owain's men and having the Jehar fight with them. Brenin is killed in this altercation. 

Deceased

Healer for Brenin's hold in Ardan. Has a crow companion named Craf.

Healer that many of the children believe is a witch. When Corban tries to steal a comb from her and is caught, he begins to assist her with housework and gathering herbs and becomes her apprentice. When Owain and Nathair attack Brenin's fortress, she and her crow both make it out with Corban's group and she shows off her Elemental skills by calling mist to confuse their enemies.

Counsellor to King Lykos. 

He meets and convinces Nathair to create an alliance with the Vin Thalun on behalf of his father and Tenebral - but he is sworn not to mention Calidus' name to his father. Afterward, against his father's wishes, Nathair continues to utilize the Vin Thalun. Calidus joins Nathair in Tarbesh against the Shekam giants. Afterward, he helps Nathair locate Talassar and the Jehar to claim their assistance, where Calidus reveals that he is Ben-Elim. After Nathair becomes king, Calidus becomes one of his most trusted advisor. He joins Veradis in Helveth against the Hunen giants. Calidus has command of the Jehar who accompany them. After the battle is done, Calidus follows Romar into the archway where Calidus claims the axe for Nathair. This leads to Alcyon using the axe to kill Romar. 

Woodsman inside the Darkwood. Follower of Braith. 

Is sent on a mission by Braith to kill Dylan's family, leading to women and children dying, which Camlin is not okay with. During that mission, he is captured by Brenin's forces, but is rescued by Braith before he is properly questioned or tried. He is part of the group that captures Alona, Edana, and Cywen, but he later fights with the men from Ardan to protect the women. He leads them through the woods back to the giantway where they join the rest of the people from Ardan. Camlin never leaves the group and becomes one of Ardan's huntsmen - becoming friends with Marrock and Tarben. When Brenin is threatened during the takeover by Owain and Nathair, Camlin shoots the soldier in the neck but it does not save the king, who is later killed. Camlin escapes out of the secret tunnel with Corban's group.

Brother to Halion.

An excellent swordsman and one of the fastest, although does not always use his head while fighting and often lets his temper get the best of him. Requests sanctuary from Brenin with his brother Halion and is eventually given a role in Brenin's warband. He is part of the action when they capture Camlin and rescue Alona adn Edana from being kidnapped. After Ronan's death, he becomes Edana's protector, which he considers a babysitting job. He decides to leave Brenin's hold and join Evnis instead. He is part of the group that escorts the Jehar into the fortress and opens the gates to Narvon. He fights Cywen on the walls of the fortress and is knocked off balance. He falls over the edge of the wall but grabs Cywen and takes her with him. 

Presumed Deceased

Son of Thannon and Gwenith. Brother to Cywen. Has a horse named Shield and a wolven named Storm. Trained as a warrior by Halion and Gar. Apprentice to Brina.

The night of Marrock's wedding, Corban enters the Baglun Forest alone and finds a pregnant wolven that is stuck in the bog. He saves the wolven. He has funny dreams where a mysterious man asks him to do a favor for him and find the cauldron, which he eventually refuses to do. He is at odds with Rafe, who has a vendetta against him. Rafe eventually tries to kill him and is attacked by Storm, leading to her release into the forest so she won't be killed. He accompanies Brenin to the wedding of Kyla and Uthar. He and Gar are the first to realize that the women have been kidnapped and reunite with Storm to lead Marrock and his men right to them. They fight Rhin's men and rescue the women. Once back in Ardan, Corban takes his Warrior's Trial and sits his Long Night, receiving a sword from his father and a spear from Halion who trained him. He is sitting his Long Night when Owain's soldiers arrive. During the siege, he is challenged to a duel by Rafe who he beats quickly and wows the crowd with his swordwork. When Owain and Nathair breach Brenin's fortress, Corban fights with his father but is attacked by Rafe and his father Helfach. Storm saves him but his father dies. Corban makes his way to Halion and shows the survivors the secret tunnel out of the fortress. As they sail, his mother admits that she has some things to discuss with him.

Friend of Rafe and Vonn. He often goes along with Rafe's plans and torments Corban, Dath, and Farrell. He is present when Rafe is attacked by Storm.

Daughter of Thannon and Gwenith. Sister to Corban. Apprentice to Gar. Friend of Edana. 

Is very good at throwing knives and trains with Corban on how to use a sword, though no one but she, Corban, and Dath know that. She becomes romantically involved with Edana's guardsman Ronan. Before he can formally court her, she is kidnapped with Edana and Alona and Ronan is killed by Morcant. She wants revenge but struggles knowing she won't get it. She is there when Corban discovers the secret tunnel into Brenin's fortress. She sees when Evnis leads the Jehar through the tunnel and opens the gate to Owain's men. She fights Corban on the wall, knocking him off balance and sending him hurtling over the wall. He grabs her as he falls and she falls with him. 

Presumed Deceased

Son of Pendathran. 

When Owain lays siege to Brenin's fortress, Daglar brings his warband to help. They come up behind Owain's forces as Pendathran leads forces from the other direction, sandwiching Owain's warriors between them. But they are overrun by Owain and Pendathran is pushed back. Daglar and his men are killed and Daglar's body is thrown at the gates of the fortress. 

Deceased

Son of Mordwyr. Brother to Bethan. Friend of Corban. Trained as a warrior by Tarben.

Tends to be scared of everything, i.e. he believes Brina is a witch and certain caves are haunted. Begins training with Corban with a sword because he needs all the help he can get, but is very good with a bow. He takes his Warrior's Trial and passes, receiving a bow from Marrock and Tarben, but has not sat his Long Night since the fortress was under siege by Owain. Fights with the others when Nathair and Owain breach the fortress. His sister Bethan is killed but he and his father escape with Corban's group through the hidden tunnel. 

Vin Thalun raider 

Captured in Tenebral and brought to Aquilus by Veradis and Krelis. Gives information that the new King of the Vin Thalun is meeting with one of Aquilus' barons, leading to Nathair meeting with Calidus and bartering an alliance on behalf of his father. Deinon is released to take information of this alliance back to Lykos.

Friend of Corban

His family is murdered the night of Marrock's wedding by Camlin on Braith's orders. This leads to the capture of Camlin and the subsequent hunting of Braith and his men in the Darkwood. 

Princess of Ardan. Daughter of Brenin and Alona. Friend of Cywen. 

She is taken hostage by Braith's men with Cywen and Alona. During that time, her guardsman Ronan is killed by Morcant. The women are later rescued by Marrock - led by Storm - but her mother dies after being shot by an arrow. After this, her father becomes depressed and his attitude toward Edana changes. When the fortress is breached by Nathair and Owain and her father is killed, Edana is guarded by Halion and escapes through the secret tunnel with Corban's group. Would often sneak Corban and Cywen into the fortress to overhear conversations they should not have been privy to and kept the siblings informed of what was happening with her parents. 

Son of the Baron of Ripa. Brother to Krelis and Veradis. 

Expected to become Counsellor to his brother Krelis when he becomes Baron after their father. Is very well read and knowledgeable. 

King of Domhain

He does not come to either the King's Council or the meeting with Brenin during Midwinter, sending people in his stead. To the meeting with Brenin he sent the legendary warrior Rath and his warband, called the Degad.

Counsellor to Brenin. Husband to Fain. Father to Vonn. Brother of Gethin. Sworn to Asroth.

When he found out that his brother had betrothed him to Fain, he swore himself to Asroth and made a vow to make Rhin High Queen of the Banished Lands. He continually works toward that goal, doing what he is told needs to be done. He searches for the book and the cauldron to heal his wife Fain, who is dying of illness. When he is unable to help her and she dies, he becomes worse than ever. He orchestrates the murder of Dylan's family and kills Owain's son Uthar himself while setting Marrock up. He helps in the kidnapping of Alona and Edana. When Owain lays siege to Brenin's fortress, he escorts the Jehar into the fortress and opens the gates to Owain's men. He is directly responsible for the death of Brenin. He has been told to serve Nathair, so his allegiance changes from Brenin to Nathair immediately. 

Wife of Evnis. Mother of Vonn. 

Dies from an illness, though Evnis tries to prolong her life by finding the book and the cauldron.

Blacksmith's apprentice (but not Thannon's apprentice). Friend to Corban. 

Around the same age as Corban, they are both on the Rowan Field at the same time and assist in the hunt when Storm's mother is killed. Farrell's father is labeled a coward and Farrell is constantly bullied by Rafe and Crain because of this. When the two of them are beating up Farrell, Corban steps in to stop them. Rafe turns on Corban and is attacked by Storm, leading to her being sent to the Baglun Forest. Farrell later does his Warrior's Trial but is not able to sit his Long Night since Owain has laid siege to the fortress. When the fortress is breached, Farrell fights in the great hall and escapes through the secret tunnel with Corban's group. He uses Thannon's war hammer as a weapon in that time and later, Corban tells him to keep it. It's too heavy for Corban anyway. He promises to avenge Thannon's death with the hammer. 

Queen of Tenebral. Wife of Aquilus. Mother of Nathair. 

She is suspicious of her son's actions when he is told not to deal with the Vin Thalun and counsels him to obey his father and king. Nathair does not listen to her advice. 

Stablemaster to Brenin. Friend of Thannon and Gwenith. Apprentices Cywen. Trains Corban with the sword. 

Gar is originally from Helveth but found a home in Ardan when his family was killed. He has a limp of unknown origin, and fights differently than the warrior's of Ardan. When he trains Corban, Corban adopts much of his fighting style. He knows Meical and trusts Brenin, but has secrets that he keeps from everyone else but Thannon and Gwenith. He convinces Corban's parents to leave for Drassil as soon as Corban's Long Night is over, but Owain lays siege to the fortress and they are unable to go. When the fortress is breached and Thannon killed, Gar enters the great hall and fights Sumur, the leader of the Jehar. It becomes clear that Gar was raised by the Jehar but left for some reason. He refuses to acknowledge Sumur as Lord of Telassar, saying that his father is the only Lord of Telassar that he recognizes. He escapes the fortress with Corban's group through the secret tunnel.

Lord of Badun in Ardan. Evnis' older brother. Father to Kyla.

Betrothes his daughter to King Owain's son Uthar. It is when they travel for Kyla's wedding that Alona and Edana is kidnapped. When Owain exacts vengeance for the murder of his son, he first sacks Badun, then delivers Gethin's head to Brenin. 

Deceased

Prince of Carnutan. Son of Mandros.

When Mandros runs from Tenebral after Aquilus' death, Gundul makes a deal with Nathair. He will fight with Nathair's men and help facilitate the capture of his father as long as they kill Mandros right then and recognize Gundul as the new King of Carnutan. 

Wife of Thannon. Mother of Corban and Cywen. Friend of Gar. 

Teaches Cywen how to throw knives with deadly accuracy and has knives made for both of them by Thannon. She takes Storm from the great hall for Storm's protection when Corban is called to duel Rafe. She brings Gar back with her, to find the great hall under attack and her husband dead. She escapes the great hall with Corban but refuses to leave the fortress without Cywen. She only leaves through the secret tunnell when Marrock reveals that Cywen fell from the fortress wall with Conall. Once they set sail, she tells Corban that she has some secrets she has been keeping that he needs to know about. 

Brother of Conall. Warrior trainer of Corban.

Excellent swordsman and known for fighting smart. He and his brother Conall request sanctuary from Brenin and eventually become a member of Brenin's warband. Halion is present when they capture Camlin and later when they rescue the women from Braith's kidnapping. He trains Corban on the Rowan Field and gifts Corban a spear at his Warrior's Trial. When Tull dies, Halion becomes Brenin's First-Sword. Fights to protect Edana when the fortress is breached and the great hall attacked, helping Edana escape through the secret tunnel that Corban knew of. Once they've set sail, he decides they will take Edana to his father for her protection. He is the bastard son of the King of Domhain. 

Brenin's Loremaster.

He travels with Brenin to the King's Council and then later to the meeting at Midwinter and Kyla's wedding in Narvon - even though he hates traveling. When Brenin's fortress is breached by Nathair and Owain, Heb escapes through the secret tunnel with Corban's group, even using his hidden Elemental abilities to create a mist to cover their movement. 

Huntsman to Evnis. Father of Rafe. 

He is party to some of the plans Evnis makes against Brenin - including the murder of Dylan's family and Evnis' search for the book. He has a vendetta against Corban and Thannon, who fights Helfach and wins after telling Helfach that Rafe needs to lay off. Especially after Rafe is attacked by Storm. When the fortress is breached, he and Rafe try to kill Corban but Helfach is killed by Storm. 

Deceased

Nephew to Romar. Cousin to Kastell.

Hates Kastell, according to Jael, because of Kastell's father's "transgressions". This is not helped by Kastell kneeing him in the groin in front of the warriors at the King's Council. He constantly spreads rumors about Kastell to turn opinions against him and even tries to have him killed. This leads to Kastell joining the Dal Gadrai and leaving his uncle's hold. Jael becomes a good friend of Nathair, even gifting Nathair a horse. When they fight the Hunen giants and Romar is killed by Alcyon, Jael tries to kill Kastell and claim the throne of Isilitir for himself. 

Nephew of Romar. Cousin to Jael. Has a shieldman, Maquin. Member of the Dal Gadrai. 

Jael hates him because of his father's "transgressions" though Kastell has no idea what those transgressions are. He becomes friends to Veradis during the King's Council, Veradis even saves his and Maquin's life once when Jael had them attacked. After several tries to smooth over his relationship with Jael for their uncle's sake, Kastell and Maquin join the Dal Gadrai, which only allow members who have killed a giant. They are part of the group that captures and questions a giant and is told that the God-War is coming. They are present when Veradis comes to help get rid of the Hunen giants. Kastell watches when Alcyon kills his uncle, Romar. He is then attacked by Jael, who wants Romar's throne for himself, and his status is unknown. 

Status Unknown

Eldest son and heir of the Baron of Ripa. Brother of Elktor and Veradis.

Trained with Aquilus' warband before returning to Ripa. He and Veradis escort Deinon to Aquilus for questioning when Deinon is captured. He sees his brother Veradis again when he and Nathair come to speak to their father. In that time, Veradis makes it clear that he is loyal to Nathair and Krelis warns him to be sure that his loyalty is deserved.

Daughter of Gethin. Niece of Evnis. Betrothed to Uthar, Prince of Narvon. 

Alona and Edana are kidnapped when they are in Narvon to celebrate Kyla and Uthar's wedding. Her father is later killed by Owain for revenge against Uthar's death. 

Status Unknown

King of the Vin Thalun.

The first person to bring the different tribes of the Vin Thalun together under one banner, becoming their first king. When he meets Nathair, he reveals that he has also had dreams like Nathair. He pledges himself to Nathair and becomes one of Nathair's closest advisors. Nathair uses the Vin Thalun to ferry his warriors to where they need to go quickly and pledges to build Lykos more ships for this express reason.

King of Carnutan. Father of Gundul.

Is present at the King's Council but does not believe the prophecy and is derisive to anyone who does. Returns to Tenebral for Midwinter and sees the sun go dark at midday. Later, he is brought to speak to Aquilus and Nathair alone. He flees for Carnutan quickly afterward and it is discovered that Aquilus has been killed and Nathair stabbed. It is assumed that Mandros is the perpetrator. Tenebral attacks Carnutan and Mandros is taken prisoner by Veradis with the help of Mandros' son Gundul. Mandros claims that he did not attack either Aquilus or Nathair. That Aquilus was dead when he arrived in the room and Nathair stabbed himself. Veradis does not believe him and beheads him without trial.

Deceased

Shieldman to Kastell. Member of the Dal Gadrai. 

When Kastell's parents were killed, Maquin rescued Kastell and became his shieldman, staying next to him while Kastell was raised by his uncle. He tries to counsel Kastell to be more welcoming and amiable to other warriors. Joins the Dal Gadrai with Kastell and is part of the group that captures a giant and is told that they're preparing for the God-War. Is present when Romar is killed by Alcyon. Kastell last sees him fighting the Jehar when Maquin is knocked over a giant cadaver.

Status Unknown

Huntsman to Brenin. Son of Rhagor. Nephew of Brenin, Adona, and Pendathran. 

A pivotal member of Brenin's household. He is there when Storm's mother is killed and argues in tacit favor of Corban raising Storm. Is taken hostage when Braith rescues Camlin but, due to being seen by Corban and Cywen, he is later released. He mounts a rescue for Alona, following Storm as she tracks the kidnapped women, and carries his aunt to safety once the women are rescued. He becomes friends with Camlin after Camlin leaves the Darkwood. Marks Dath as an excellent bowman and, along with Tarben, gifts Dath a bow at his Warrior's Trial. He is on the wall when he sees Evnis bring the Jehar into the fortress and open the gates to Owain's warriors. He yells for Cywen to alert Brenin but watches her go over the wall with Conall instead. He runs to the hall and yells to his uncle that the walls have been breached and that Evnis is a traitor. He escapes with Corban's group through the secret tunnel. 

Counsellor to Aquilus. 

Discovers the prophecy of the God-War. Is disliked by Nathair. When Aquilus is killed, Meical flees Tenebral and has a meeting with Brenin in Ardan. He also speaks to Gar and Corban's parents, telling them not to trust Nathair or anyone else from Tenebral. He tells them he will go to Drassil to make sure preparations are underway.

Warrior of Rhin. Lover of Rhin. 

Fights in the Court of Swords for Rhin when she demands that Brenin return to her two people who asked him for sanctuary. He fights Tull and loses, but is not killed. Instead, Tull only gives him a scar under his eye. He is later part of Rhin's kidnapping of Alona and Edana. He kills Tull and nearly kills Camlin when Marrock's men come out of the forest and rescue the women. It is believed that Morcant got away and returned to Cambren.

Father of Bethan and Dath. 

After his wife's death, he became a severe alcoholic, often drinking himself into unconsciousness. When Owain's warriors march to attack, Corban stops at Dath's home to warn them. Corban and Dath rouse Mordwyr and lead him into the fortress. Later, when the fortress is breached, Mordwyr holds the body of his daughter. He is convinced to escape with Dath and Corban through the secret tunnel.

Prince of Tenebral. Son of Aquilus and Fidele. 

Quickly becomes close to Veradis when Veradis is made a member of his warband. He meets Calidus and fosters an alliance on behalf of his father, using the Vin Thalun at his own discretion whenever he felt it was beneficial, against explicit orders from his father. Has been having dreams where a mysterious man asks for his help, recently wanting Nathair to find the cauldron, leading Nathair to believe that he is The Bright Star and the mysterious man is Elyon. Trains his warband to use a shield wall, which is highly effective when fighting giants, allowing them to help defeat the Hunen giants among others. He is stabbed during Midwinter, claiming that Mandros stabbed him and killed his father before fleeing. He gives orders that Mandros is to be hunted down and quietly tells Veradis to kill Mandros without trial once he's taken prisoner. With the help of Calidus, he gains the allegiance of the Jehar. He gives Calidus free reign to use the Jehar as needed to claim Dagda's axe for Nathair, leading to Romar's death. He visits Brenin, in a quest to track down Meical and secure alliances, but instead brings the Jehar into the fortress, opens the gates to Owain, and ensuring Brenin's death. Any who oppose him will pay.

Member of the Dal Gadrai. Vandil's Captain.

Present when Romar is killed by Alcyon. Fights the Jehar. 

Status Unknown

King of Narvon. Father of Uthar. 

Attends the King's Council but does not ally with Aquilus, choosing to wait to see what happens on Midwinter before making a decision. At Midwinter, he agrees that his son Uthar should be married to Gethin's daughter, Kyla. When the Darkwood is cleared out and the spring comes, Brenin and his entourage come to Narvon for the wedding. Evnis kills Uthar, disguised as Marrock, causing Owain to declare war on Brenin. He kills Gethin as Badur is sacked, then lays siege to Brenin's fortress. When Daglararrives, Owain kills his men and Daglar, throwing his dead body at the gate for his father to find. HIs warriors are later let into the fortress by Evnis' men and attack Brenin, killing him. He does not believe that Rhin orchestrated the whole situation.

Battle-chief for Brenin. Brother to Adona and the late Rhagor, brother-in-law to Brenin. Father of Daglar. 

Leads a warband for Brenin and is put in charge of finding and punishing whomever killed Dylan's family while Brenin attends the War-Council. He later tries to rescue his sister when she is kidnapped, but is forced to return to warn and protect Brenin when he believes it is Owain who had her kidnapped. He helps to evacuate their people before Owain attacks them. He leads the charge against Owain, sandwiching Owain's warriors between his warband and Daglar's, but is beaten back by Owain's men and forced to sit while his son is killed. When the fortress is under siege and Corban is challenged to a duel, he speaks up in favor of Corban and Storm but it has no effect on Brenin. 

Status Unknown

Aquilus' First-Sword.

After Aquilus' death, he serves Nathair. He is present when Mandros is killed.

Son of Helfach. 

Torments anyone he thinks is weaker than himself, including Corban, Dath, and Farrell. When he is stopped from beating Farrell by Corban and then tries to kill Corban, he is attacked by Storm. This leads to Storm being sent to the Baglun Forest and Rafe losing his Sword and Spear - which is disgraceful. When Owain declares war on Brenin, Rafe's Sword and Spear are returned to him. He then challenges Corban to a duel. He is quickly and easily beaten by Corban, but when the fortress is breached later, he and his father attack Corban again. Storm kills Helfach in this attack, but not Rafe.

Status Unknown

King of Tarbesh

Allies with Aquilus at the King's Council. Gets aid from Nathair's warband against the Shekam giants, allowing them to test out how the shield wall works. 

Legendary warrior from Domhain who leads a group of warriors called the Degad. He comes to the meeting with Brenin at Midwinter in the king's stead. 

Son of a Tenebral baron. Member of Nathair's warband. Friend of Veradis. 

Is impressed by Tull when he fights, and is beaten by, Tull at the King's Council. Later, he accompanies Nathair to Ardan and learns that Tull was killed. When Brenin's fortress is breached, Rauca calls the warriors to form a shield-wall against Thannon, leading to Thannon's death. 

Status Unknown

Queen of Cambren. Loyal to Asroth. Lover of Morcant. 

Is there when Evnis makes his oath to Asroth. She plans to use Evnis to become High Queen. Attends the King's Council but does not ally with Tenebral. Attends Brenin's meeting at Midsummer and demands that Brenin return two refugees that he'd given sanctuary to her but Brenin refuses. When Rhin calls for Court of Swords, her lover and warrior Morcant fights Tull and loses. She makes plans to turn Brenin and Owain against each other, arranging for the kidnapping of Alona and Edana as well as the murder of Uthar. She wants Brenin and Owain to destroy one another so she can sweep in and take their lands for themselves. Owain is fooled and declares war on Brenin despite Brenin trying to show Owain the truth.

King of Isiltir. Uncle of Kastell and Jael.

Allies with Aquilus at the King's Council. His starstone axe is taken by Hunen giants. He knows that his nephews are at odds and wants them to make amends, and is naive enough to believe that they have. Teams up with Braster to get rid of the Hunen and get his axe back, with help from Veradis, Calidus, and Alcyon. But he does not like the way that Mandros was killed without trial and intends to launch an investigation at a later date. When the giants are dealt with and the battle is over, he leads his men into the archway in the cliff followed by Calidus and the Jehar. Veradis is left outside. When they find the axe, Calidus claims it on Nathair's behalf. Romar refuses the claim and Alcyon kills Romar with the axe. 

Deceased

Shieldman to Edana. 

Ronan asks Cywen if it would be okay for him to ask her father formally for permission to court her and she says yes. But before he gets the chance, he escorts Edana into the Darkwood where she, her mother Alona, and Cywen are kidnapped by Braith and Rhin's warriors. Tull sends Ronan and another warrior to run with the women and try to escape while he and the other warriors buy them time but they do not make it far and Ronan is killed by Morcant. 

Deceased

Member of the Jehar. 

When the Jehar is divided, Sokar is sent with Veradis, Calidus, and Alcyon to fight the Hunen giants. Calidus is put in charge of the Jehar during that time and they follow Romar into the archway in the cliff, leaving Veradis outside the cave. Sokar and the other Jehar fight against the Gadrai while inside after Alcyon kills Romar.

Leader of the Jehar. Lord of Telassar.

Although at first he is cautious to believe that Nathair is The Bright Star, he is convinced when he sees Calidus' wings. He pledges himself and the rest of the Jehar to Nathair, emptying out Telassar to follow him as a fanatic. He does not allow insult to Nathair and threatens anyway who stands against him. When they fight Brenin in the hall, he is surprised to see Gar - who he recognizes as a member of the Jehar who left Telassar. Gar does not believe that Nathair is The Bright Star and fights against Sumur. Sumur gains the upper hand but they are forced apart by other warriors and Gar is able to escape.

Warrior. Serves as Dath's warrior trainer. 

Known for complaining constantly. When Tull is called away to the King's Council with Brenin, Tarben is put in charge of the Rowan Field. He trains Dath and, along with Marrock, gifts Dath a bow at his Warrior's Trial. Becomes friends with Camlin and fights with him inside the hall when the fortress is breached. Escapes through the secret tunnel with Corban's group.

King of the Sirak

Allies with Aquilus at the King's Council. When Kastell and Maquin are attacked by bandits as they leave the King's Council, the Sirak, who are nomadic people from the Sea of Grass, fight against the bandits since they'd been tracking them since leaving the council.

Blacksmith. Husband of Gwenith. Father of Corban and Cywen. Friend of Gar. Owner of Buddai. 

When he finds out that Rafe has been bullying Corban, he demands that Rafe's father Helfach put an end to it. The two of them fight and Thannon bests Helfach, causing tensions to grow worse. When Corban is close to his Warrior's Trial, they make a sword for Brenin and a new war hammer for himself. He uses that war hammer to try to reach Brenin when the fortress gates are breached but is stopped by Rauca and the shield-wall. Thannon falls to the Tenebral warriors and dies in the hall. His body is left behind but his hammer is grabbed by Corban and given to Farrell to wield since he is the only one strong enough to use it. 

Lord of Telassar before Sumur. 

Father of Gar. Has not been seen in many years.

First-Sword of Brenin. Legendary warrior. 

Travels with Brenin to the King's Council. During the meeting at Midwinter when Rhin forces a Court of Swords, he fights for Brenin and beats Rhin's warrior Morcant. He does not kill the warrior, but leaves him with a scar below his eye. When Alona, Edana, and Cywen are kidnapped inside the forest, he tells them to run with a few guards while he and the others draw the attackers attention and give the women time to escape. One of the attackers is Morcant, who takes his revenge against Tull and kills him with the help of Braith. 

Deceased

Prince of Narvon. Son of Owain. 

Betrothed to Gethin's daughter Kyla. When Ardan comes to celebrate their wedding, Evnis disguises himself as a guard of Narvon and kills Uthar in Uthar's room before changing his face to look like Marrock and leaving the room, making sure he is seen by everyone. When Owain discovers his son is dead and believes Marrock murdered him, he declares war on Brenin.

Deceased

Aquilus' stablemaster. Befriends Veradis when he first joins Nathair's warband. His wife and children were killed by the Vin Thalun. Doesn't trust Meical.

Leader of the Dal Gadrai. Loyal to King Romar. 

A skilled and very fast warrior who accepts Kastell and Maquin into the Dal Gadrai. The Gadrai join Romar's warriors when they hunt the Hunen. After the battle is done, they follow Romar into the archway and are attacked by the Jehar. He is cut down after Romar is killed. 

Deceased

Trader from Helveth who gives Corban his first practice sword free of charge. Working with Calidus, he uses a bird to send Calidus a message that Meical is in Ardan. 

First-Sword and Captain to Nathair. Son of the Baron of Ripa in Tenebral. Younger brother to Krelis and Elktor. 

Is introduced to Nathair when he and his brother bring Deinon to Aquilus and is given a spot in Nathair's warband. The two of them quickly bond and he moves up in the ranks. He earns Nathair's trust when Nathair first meets Calidus and Veradis leaps through flames to protect him. Veradis joins Nathair when they travel to Tarbesh to fight the Shekam giants and search for Telassar. After Aquilus is killed, he tracks down Mandros and kills the king with his own sword, but he is not proud of it and is haunted by Mandros accusation that Nathair killed his own father. He goes to hunt the Hunen giants with Calidus and Alcyon, he is in charge of the warband while Calidus is in charge of the Jehar. He leads his men to kill the giants and herd them towards the other warriors until the battles are over but is left behind when Romar and Calidus enter the gateway in the cliff. He does not like the growing feeling of foreboding that he has. He has declared his loyalty to Nathair, even putting him before his own family.

Son of Evnis and Fain. Boyfriend of Bethan. Friend of Rafe.

Evnis is a friend of Rafe and Crain but never seems much interested in bullying the other boys and even tries to get Rafe to lay off sometimes. During the hunt in which Storm's mother is killed, he is drug off and pinned under his horse. He breaks his arm and develops a fever but is eventually nursed back to health by Brina. He declares a vendetta against Storm and Corban because of it. His father wants to marry him off to Edana but he is in love with Dath's sister Bethan. Evnis refuses to allow them to marry though. When the fortress gates are breached and Bethan killed, he holds her dead body along with her father. When Mordwyr is convinced to flee, Vonn follows along. He tells the others that his father does know abou the secret tunnel but he's not sure if anyone else does. He declares loyalty to Ardan, saying that he did not know anything of his father's plans. He escapes through the tunnel with Corban's group and is allowed to stay but will be watched closely.

Originally captain of the Ben-Elim but turned away, creating the Kadoshim, meaning "The Seperate Ones", from Ben-Elim who followed him. Fought Elyon until Elyon Scourged the world and turned away. His Kadoshim continue to fight the Ben-Elim in the Otherworld. There is a prophecy that the God-War between Asroth and Elyon will return to the world of man and be picked up by two avatars: The Black Sun for Asroth and The Bright Star for Elyon.

The Ben-Elim, meaning "Sons of the Mighty", fight for him. He is the All-Father, creating the Ben-Elim and Asroth as his Captain. Asroth betrayed him and turned some of the Ben-Elim, creating his own fighting force called the Kadoshim. Elyon and Asroth warred against each other until Asroth sent the starstone to the mortal world and gateways between the mortal realm and the Otherworld were created. Then Elyon destroyed the world in the Scourging and turned his back on what was left. It is not known where he is, though the Ben-Elim continute to fight the Kadoshim in the Otherworld. It is prophecied that soon the God-War will return to the mortal world and avatars will fight for the gods. The Black Sun for Asroth and The Bright Star for Elyon.

Huge hound belonging to Thannon and Corban's family. 

When Brenin's fortress is attacked by Owain and Nathair, Thannon fights his way toward Brenin with Buddai by his side. They face Rauca and the shield-wall together, but both of them fall before it. 

Presumed Deceased

Crow who is loyal to Brina and capable of some speech, a shadow of an ability animals had before the Scourging. He escapes the fortress with Brina and Corban when it is attacked. 

Horse given to Corban to raise and to train. At one point when Vonn, Rafe, and Helfach are antagonizing Corban, Helfach allows his hunting dog to attack Corban. Shield kills the dog and saves Corban's life, which is how he got his name. Corban uses Shield during his Warrior's Trial, needing to show that he can perform a running mount, and Shield accompanies him during his Long Night, allowing Corban to run ahead of Owain's warriors when they arrive to lay siege. 

Status Unknown

Wolven from the Baglun Forest who was saved by Corban when her pack and littermates were killed by warriors. Allowed to stay and be trained by Corban by the Queen's Justice but her presence is not well accepted by most warriors. When she attacks Rafe to protect Corban, she is banished to the Baglun Forest for her own protection but she follows Brenin's entourage throught the Darkwood to Narvon. When Alona, Edana, and Cywen are kidnapped inside the forest, Corban uses Storm to track the kidnapped women and eventually rescue them. Afterward, Corban decides that they will not be separated again. He fights a duel with Rafe and wins, putting the matter to bed, but when the gates are breached Rafe and his father try to kill Corban. Storm comes to his defense and kills Helfach, Rafe's father. She escapes through the secret tunnel with Corban's group.

Also known as "The Bull"

When men first returned to the Banished Lands, Cambros was sent to fight the Benothi giants with his sons Cadlas and Ard. After dispelling the giants, Cambros split the land between himself and his sons. This is how Ardan got its name. 

• cauldron

• torc

• necklace

• spear

• dagger

• axe

• cup