The Siege of Macindaw characters

Appears from the start

A newly qualified Ranger facing the unfinished crisis at Castle Macindaw. Will has uncovered Keren's conspiracy but must now rescue Alyss and recover a powerful border fortress with only the allies he can gather locally.

Appears from the start

A Courier and Will's close friend, now held inside Macindaw after Keren's coup. She is trained to resist pressure and to notice political weaknesses, but Keren's blue gemstone gives him an unusual means of attacking that resistance.

Appears from the start

The usurper controlling Castle Macindaw. Keren poisoned Lord Syron and Orman, cultivated rumours of sorcery and took Alyss prisoner; he now intends to strengthen his position through an alliance with Scotti invaders.

Appears from the start

Lord Syron's son and rightful acting master of Macindaw. Abrasive but innocent of the crimes blamed on him, Orman escaped Keren's coup only after being poisoned and remains desperately ill under Malcolm's care.

Appears from the start

Orman's loyal secretary, physically timid but steadfast when his master is in danger. Xander escaped the castle with Will and helps establish Orman's lawful authority among their small group of allies.

Also known as Malkallam

Appears from the start

A gifted healer who shelters outcasts in Grimsdell Wood. Malcolm's knowledge of medicines, performance and local superstition gives Will resources that can be turned against enemies who have made fear of sorcery part of their plan.

First appears in chapter 2

A scarred giant from Malcolm's community. Trobar is gentle with his friends but strong enough to shift obstacles that would stop ordinary men, making him valuable in any attempt to penetrate the castle.

First appears in chapter 3

The dog Will rescued near Seacliff and later left with Alyss for protection. Shadow is fiercely attached to both of them and remains inside Macindaw with the prisoner.

First appears in chapter 10

Will's closest friend and one of Araluen's finest young knights. Horace brings direct fighting strength to a problem Will cannot solve by stealth alone, while trusting Will to plan the campaign.

First appears in chapter 10

Will's small Ranger horse, trained for silent movement and complex signals. Tug carries Will through his reconnaissance and links the Ranger to allies spread across the country around Macindaw.

First appears in chapter 15

A Skandian skirl whose failed raid on Seacliff ended in mutual respect between him and Will. Gundar commands a seasoned wolfship crew and believes he owes the young Ranger a debt.

First appears in chapter 18

A Scotti operative held at Macindaw. His presence confirms that Keren's seizure of the castle is connected to a larger threat from across the northern border.

Appears from the start

The rightful lord of Macindaw, still incapacitated by the poison that began the conspiracy. Syron's survival matters because his authority can settle control of the fief once the castle is recovered.