Leo: A rough old monk who saved Xan's life. He is falsely accused of attacking the Abbot, and is thrown in the abbey's confinement cell until he is proven innocent by Xan. Carlo: The leader of the bandits that attacked Hardonbury and Harwood Abbey. He tried to assassinate the Abbot under Sir James' order, but failed. Father Clement: A strong leader who is the acting abbot after the Abbot is attacked. He presented the evidence to Lord Kensington and always obeyed the Abbot's wishes. Joshua: Xan's best friend. Josh is a young and naive boy who is always at Xan's side. He and Xan figure out parts of the mystery together. Lord Kensington: A powerful man who owns much land, including Clovis and Hardonbury. He is thought to be in league with the bandits until Xan proves him innocent. Lucy: One of Xan's closest friends. She is a kind and smart girl. Xan often consults her in regards to the mystery and when he needs someone to talk to. Sir James: Lord Kensington's bailiff. Sir James hired bandits to attack Hardonbury and Harwood Abbey so they would join Lord Kensington's estate. He was stealing money from Lord Kensington for years. Sister Regina: A mother figure to Xan. She helped lift Xan's spirits when he was feeling depressed. He turns to her for advice about coping with being an orphan. Xan: A young boy whose parents were killed in the attack at Hardonbury. His real name is Stephen, but he no longer uses the name. He lost his memory, but recovers it at the end of the first book. The Haunted Cathedral The Haunted Cathedral is the sequel to Shadow in the Dark and is due out Winter 2007 External links Chronicles of Xan Official Website Capstone Fiction Official Website 2007 American novels Novel series American historical novels Novels set in the 12th century