in the second book (while she is only 12) with her bare hands; even the war veteran Alatriste is unnerved by this, but manages to evade her. Her relationship with Íñigo reaches its height towards 1630–1634, and he mentions in a flashforward that he eventually kills her when she makes an attempt on his life. A widely acclaimed beauty, she is portrayed by Diego Velázquez in 1635. Luis de Alquézar (c.1570–?), Royal secretary of Aragonese origin. Studies law in Zaragoza, and begins his career as clerk of the Royal Audience in the Aragonese capital. Rising quickly in the administration, he joins the Council of Aragon in 1610. With the support of the Count-Duke of Olivares, he reaches the coveted post of Royal Secretary in 1623. That same year he meet Diego Alatriste, during the adventure of two Englishmen, in which the royal secretary is aligned with the extremist faction of the Inquisitor, Fray Emilio Bocanegra, against the more moderate Olivares. Since that time, he is a bitter enemy of Alatriste, whom he has tried to dispose of on several occasions through the swordsman Gualterio Malatesta. Francisco de Quevedo (1580–1645), famous, talented and ironic poet of the period, and friend of Alatriste. Gualterio Malatesta, an Italian sword fighter from Palermo. He becomes a nemesis to Diego Alatriste in the first book and remains so through the fourth book. He begins his career as mercenary swordsman in his hometown, which at the time is part of the Spanish Empire. He moves to Madrid, where after acting as a freelance assassin, he joins the service of Luis de Alquézar. Following an argument with Diego Alatriste during an assault on the two Englishmen, he becomes the sworn enemy of Alatriste. He is involved in the second, fourth, and fifth books. In 'El caballero del jubón amarillo', he is taken into custody for attempting to kill King Philip IV of Spain. In the seventh book 'El puente de los asesinos' he gets freedom in exchange for taking part in a secret mission in Venice along with Diego Alatriste, which leads to improving of their relationship, though duel occurred in final ends with a draw as they are forced to leave the place together. Emilio Bocanegra, Dominican friar and president of the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition. Opposed to the policy of the Count-Duke of Olivares, especially regarding his relationship with the bankers of Portuguese Jewish