he is truly twisted. Through Muriele's curse, which brought him back to life and broke the law of death, he is alive, but not alive, but still wants the throne of Crotheny Charles Dare, "saint-touched" son of the late King William and now king himself Sir Neil MeqVren, of Skern, sworn protector of Queen Muriele, is steadfast and honorable. Stephen Darige, of Virgenya, scholar and monk Aspar White, the King's forester, gruff, grumpy, but honorable Winna, Aspar's significant other Cazio Pachiomadio da Chiovattio, practicer of the art of desserata, in love with Anne though unaware of who she is z'Acatto, Cazio's instructor and friend Austra, Anne's maid. Has a romantic interest towards Cazio, encouraged by his attention towards her to make Anne jealous. Lady Gramme, the late King's mistress, still aspiring for the throne Mery Gramme, (new character) young daughter of Lady Gramme and the late King William, who befriends Leoff and has a musical gift. Alis Berrye, former mistress of the late king, who ends up surprising everyone Countess Orchaevia, A lively countess, a friend to Cazio and z'Acatto. She also has a connection to the coven of St. Cer. Praifec Marché Hespero, the leader of the local church that claims to follow Saints, but is proving to be more and more corrupted. Fend, the one-eyed Sefry and Aspar's nemesis Leshya, Sefry-female who joins Aspar and his companions on their quest. Leovigild "Leoff" Ackenzal, (new character), Crotheny's new court composer, is a musical genius, an innocent in the ways of the court who quickly learns and has to take sides. Noble and generous-hearted. Gilmer Oercsun (new character), windsmith, helped Leoff to thwart the plot at Broogh. Sir Artwair (new character), a loyal knight to the throne, helped Leoff to thwart the plot at Broogh. Ehawk (new character), a young boy whose family lives in the King's Forest. Serves as a guide first to the knights of the Church and then to Aspar White and his companions. Major themes The struggle between good and evil is not as simple as it can seem. Characters are challenged to question "truths". Allusions/references to actual history, geography and current science Greg Keyes weaves in his background in history, anthropology and folklore. The ancestress of the Dares who rule Crotheny is Virgenya Dare, who came over two thousand years before with settlers who thought they were going to a land called Virginia. They settled