The Emperor of Nihon-Ja characters

Appears from the start

An Araluen knight visiting Nihon-Ja to observe the country's warrior traditions. Horace's ability and direct sense of duty draw him into the danger surrounding Emperor Shigeru when a study journey becomes a rebellion.

Appears from the start

One of Horace's childhood companions from the Redmont Ward, now trained in law, languages and administration. George accompanies the Nihon-Jan visit in a diplomatic capacity and lacks Horace's fighting experience, but he can carry information and negotiate where a warrior cannot.

First appears in chapter 2

The ruler of Nihon-Ja. Shigeru respects ability more than inherited rank and wants the powerful warrior class to accept obligations toward the common people, a position that has earned both deep loyalty and dangerous opposition.

First appears in chapter 4

The Emperor's cousin and a loyal Senshi warrior. Shukin knows the country's customs, terrain and military hierarchy and helps protect Shigeru when the imperial party can no longer rely on rank alone.

First appears in chapter 10

A senior Senshi lord with a large military following. Arisaka rejects Shigeru's effort to limit the privileges of the warrior class and commands enough support to turn political resistance into an armed challenge.

First appears in chapter 13

A full Ranger and Horace's closest friend. When news of the rebellion reaches the Araluens, Will brings tracking, archery and an instinct for adapting familiar tools to an unfamiliar kind of war.

First appears in chapter 13

Will's former mentor and one of Araluen's most experienced Rangers. Halt joins the effort to find Horace and approaches Nihon-Jan weapons and tactics as practical problems rather than obstacles imposed by custom.

Also known as Evanlyn

First appears in chapter 13

King Duncan's daughter and heir. Cassandra knows Horace as both a trusted friend and the man whose absence matters to her personally, and she is prepared to use her royal authority to organise a journey after him.

First appears in chapter 13

An Araluen Courier and Will's partner. Alyss brings diplomatic training, calm judgement and the ability to read motives to the expedition searching for Horace.

First appears in chapter 16

A Skandian skirl whose crew has aided Will before. Gundar is a seasoned captain in dangerous seas and provides the long-distance transport needed to reach Nihon-Ja.

First appears in chapter 18

An Arridi military commander and ally of the Araluens since Erak's rescue. Selethen's experience with foreign courts and organised troops adds another perspective to a mission far beyond any participant's home territory.

First appears in chapter 24

The farming and forestry people who form much of Nihon-Ja's common population. They have little of the Senshi class's armour or formal training, but their knowledge of the land and loyalty to Shigeru give the Emperor a force from which resistance can be built.