Queen of Kelwyn. First appears in The Mercenary Trilogy but stars as one of the principal characters of the Crystal Crown Trilogy. Ariane is headstrong and passionate. A leader. Known for her impatience and abrupt manner. Trained to fight by the king’s guard. Foul-mouthed, she’s courageous but impulsive. Also has a stubborn streak like her father, King Nogel. Ariane is one of the few people to stand up to Caswallon the Sorcerer.
Corin’s employer after leaving the Wolves. A wealthy and successful merchant, but spends most of his time scheming and working as a spy for the High King, and later Queen Ariane. Clever and devious, he’s one of the first to suspect Caswallon’s treachery in Kelthaine. Persuades Corin to join her rebels and take up against Caswallon.
The Duke of Morwella’s aloof daughter has many secrets. She is kind, but prone to moods. She falls for Corin after they meet, as he’s so unlike any other she’s known. The mystery surrounding her mother’s death haunts Shallan, and revelations about her real father lead to profound discoveries. She is an accomplished archer.
Barin of Valkador is a household name in Ansu. A renown voyager in his later years and the Jarle of the island king, Valkador. A proud Northman who loves his wife and two daughters but spends most of his time at sea. His ship––the Starlight Wanderer––is key in saving Ariane from Crenna and plays a big part in the war against Caswallon. Barin is mostly a cheerful soul. Huge and strong, a champion arm wrestler and ferocious drinker. His best [...]
As a boy, Cale crept out from the slums of Kelthara. He’s a rogue and vagabond thief with a good heart. Has a glib tongue and adores Ariane who adopts him as a stray. Later, he becomes more or less respectable and takes part in the war against Caswallon. After the Happening, adult Cale serves the new High King as Captain of Guard at Car Carranis.
Rael started out as a violent gang leader and smuggler in Crenna. Eventually caught and tortured and maimed by the island’s ruler, he escapes and wreaks a terrible revenge on his enemy. He usurps Crenna and soon gets a name as the most feared Pirate Prince in the west. He allies with Caswallon and acts as his hatchet man. Rumors abound he handled the High King’s murder. Rael’s real identity lies hidden. Sometimes goes by the pseudonym Keel. [...]
Also known as the Lost prince. Son of Kelsalion, the murdered High King. Gets hoodwinked by Caswallon and used as his instrument to usurp the throne. Flees with the shards of the Shattered Crown––the event which sets the spark ablaze in the war with Caswallon. Tarin’s resentful and culpable. Corin detests him. Later, he tries to make up for failings.
Aka Arallos, the Golden. Aralais magician. Eccentric and argumentative mystic leading the quest for the Tekara. Prince Tarin’s mentor. One of the ancient Aralais lords and instigator of the ruinous war against the Urgolais. Joins the fight against Caswallon but keeps his intentions secret.
Rumored as the last of the Soilfins. An apelike cat-sized goblin creature with an enormous appetite. Known to eat the occupants of an entire village in one afternoon. Cusses a lot. Smells bad. Serves Caswallon as a winged messenger and spy. Hates Rael.
