The Side Characters from The Relics of War
This is probably overdue. I’ve been posting bits and pieces related to The Relics of War trilogy since this time last year. You’ve been introduced to the main characters, the gods, the Councils of Magic, the non-human species… But I haven’t talked about the side characters.
Every main character has at least one who is critical to their storyline. So, here we go!
Patak and Travin
Patak and Travin are Vardak‘s older brothers. They’re introduced in the beginning of The Moon’s Eye, then aren’t seen again until later.
Patak is the eldest, but he’s never been one to lead by example. He’s a bit cavalier when it comes to his duties, though he will obey the Warleader’s orders – most of the time. He’s a free spirit and much more light-hearted than his younger brothers.
Travin is the middle brother. He’s an armor smith by trade, and takes his work seriously. Of the three brothers, he’s the only one with a significant other at the start of the series, and the only one with plans for a family at that point in time.
Maryn
Maryn is a Felene watchman from the southern jungles. Vardak meets him while on his quest to uncover the Moon’s Eye. As the story progresses, they become friends. Maryn has a penchant for gambling (mostly because he’s very good at winning), and he likes to jest and poke fun at others. But he’s also a very good friend to Vardak. You’ll see plenty of how their friendship develops throughout books 2 and 3.
Jal’den
Jal’den holds the title of Arms Master in the Murkor army, making him second-in-command to Aran’daj. He received the designation after completing his training with the god of war, and though he’s young, he’s the best warrior the Murkor people have. Despite his orders to focus on the betterment of the army, his partner, Sal’zar, is always in the forefront of his mind.
Jal’den is one of the two characters featured in The Ballad of Alchemy and Steel.
Arra Shannin
Arra is a girl with the gift of aetherial magic, who meets Tavesin unexpectedly while unconsciously accessing the magical plane known as the Aethereum. Tavesin helps her gain apprenticeship in the Shining Tower, and they become friends. I can’t go into too much detail regarding her story here, as so much of it contains spoilers for the later books. Just know she’s a fixture in Tavesin’s storyline.
Rostin Ver’an and Badolo Shansehk
Rostin and Badolo are Tavesin’s best friends. The trio are rarely seen apart, and at times cause plenty of mischief for their elders. Rostin is impulsive, impatient, and often acts without thinking through the consequences. Badolo is a bit more reserved; he enjoys tinkering and inventing.
Their refusal to be left behind when Tavesin is selected for duties afar lands them in a unique situation. Though they haven’t been raised to the rank of wizard at that point in the story, they’re allowed to accompany Tavesin on his “adventure.”
The Soulless
Dranamir is but one of five Soulless. Though hers is the only point of view amongst the group, she often interacts with the others.
She finds Alyra tiresome and considers her weak, though Alyra serves a unique purpose in the Nameless god’s schemes (you’ll learn more about that in War of the Nameless.)
Garin is a bit of an enigma through most of the first book. He’s the only Soulless capable of direct contact with the Nameless god, but the why of that isn’t revealed until later in the series. Garin is a brutal man with a tendency toward physical violence, though he can do more damage with his magic. Even the other Soulless fear to cross him, and Dranamir is no exception.
Jannyn is a vile man. Prior to his resurrection, he’d earned the title “the Butcher”. I think the name says much about his character.
Kama is a strategist and tasked to oversee the Soulless’ army. He is unyielding and doesn’t tolerate failure, but he won’t immediately resort to murder (unlike some of his colleagues). He understands the value of certain people, and will defend them from the other Soulless if it becomes necessary (and you will see some of this in The Talisman of Delucha.)
The Duchess
Adalin, the Duchess of the Mers, is introduced in The Moon’s Eye. When she first encounters Ravin, he considers her nothing more than a court floozy and a waste of his time. His perception of her changes dramatically during The Talisman of Delucha, when he realizes she’s not only brilliant, but she’s willing to help him uncover the talisman buried beneath the palace. They become an unlikely pair of friends – and Ravin is better for it.
Lucas (Luke) Silverthorn
Lucas is one of Emra‘s oldest friends. Not only did they grow up together, but they joined the King’s Army together as well. Both went through the rigorous trials to become knights, though only Emra succeeded in earning the title. Lucas is steadfast and loyal, and agrees to follow Emra – even after he learns a shocking truth about her during book 2.
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