a Scanran Rusher and later, as "the Rogue" (king of the lower city). As the Rogue, he maintains order among the lower city "Rats," and doles out justice on matters in which the Provost's Dogs can't or won't become involved. Rosto moves into Beka's boarding house with Kora and Aniki, and they become slow friends. As the Shadowsnake case becomes more serious, their relationship grows. With the series's progression, his appearances and importance to the plot increase as well. Rosto is described as a 22-year-old who stands at five feet and ten inches. He is skinny but well muscled, extremely pale, with nearly white hair and black eyes. On his left eyebrow, he has a sideways, forked scar. Sabine of Macayhill – A lady knight, and Tunstall's love interest. Lord Gershom of Haryse - The Lord Provost and Beka's foster father, Lord Gershom took Beka in after she delivered the Bold Brass Gang to him at age eight. Throughout the series, he remains a paternal, though impartial figure, treating Beka with affection but without giving her any special favors. Beka greatly respects him and wants to make him proud. Minor characters Acton of Fenrigh – Watch Commander of the Jane Street Kennel, where Beka is posted. Kebibi Ahuda – A constantly beleaguered Watch Sergeant that is said to have a soft spot for Beka. Ersken Westover and Verene – Trainee guards from Beka's year. Verene is later killed. Aniki Forfrysning – Scanran rusher and swordswoman, friend of Kora, Beka and Rosto. Koramin (Kora) Ingensra – A rogue and mage. Ersken's lover, as of Terrier, as well as Rosto's "left hand." Phelan – A second year Dog, friend of Ersken and Beka, Verene's lover. He later joins the Court of the Rogue after Verene's murder. Tansy Lofts – Crookshank's grandson's wife and Beka's childhood friend. Tansy's son, Rolond, was killed by a mysterious "Shadow Snake". Annis Lofts Tansy's mother-in-law and Crookshanks granddaughter. Herun Lofts Tansy's husband and Roland's father. Annis’ son. Ammon (Crookshanks) Lofts Also known as Father Ammon, he is a scale (fence) of stolen goods, selling for much more than he bought. Has houses all along the lower city where families pay rent to live. Shadow Snake victim. Found "Fire Opals" in some of the houses, and had the families evicted to start digging with hired jobless Lowe City residents. Rolond Lofts Tansy's son and victim of the Shadow